International law and institutional responses to climate change and fisheries management in the Indian Ocean

Our reliance upon the oceans and their resources for food, transport, culture and recreation remains as important today as in the past. This is clearly illustrated by the emergence of multiple agendas focused on blue growth and wealth from the oceans. These initiatives seek to balance economic activities with broader concerns across the range of ocean activities including fishing, other resource extraction, tourism, energy and shipping. Achieving long-term blue economy goals requires healthy oceans and depends upon sustainable activities. In particular, attention must be paid to environmental concerns and particularly the emerging and future impacts of climate change. This chapter seeks to highlight opportunities and challenges by focusing upon the intersection of climate change and fisheries management in the Indian Ocean region and specifically the small island states. The activities of key regional organizations are analysed, as well as international treaty regimes and inter-governmental organizations operating in the regional setting. The chapter analyses how these organizations and regimes are engaging with critical climate change and fisheries issues for the small island states and what further action is needed to support blue growth agenda.