France defends tuna policy as critics warn of overfishing in the Indian Ocean

France defends tuna policy as critics warn of overfishing in the Indian Ocean

Accusations of overfishing and unfair practices are fuelling tensions at an international tuna summit being held this week on the French island of Réunion.

As the pressure increases on tuna stocks in the Indian Ocean, an international summit is shaking the debate this week in La Réunion. More than 30 countries are meeting to discuss the management of this endangered resource, at the heart of one of the most exploited oceans in the world. France, which hosts the event via the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), finds itself on the saddle. It defends its policy against the criticisms of environmenta…