Objectives :

• To create an awareness among the participants about the bio-geographical and cultural unity of the riparian communities of the Indian Ocean region;
  
  
• To highlight the importance of sustaining the livelihoods of the artisanal and small-scale fishing communities dependent on marine fisheries in the emerging context of new developments in fisheries in the Indian Ocean region;
  
  
• To forge greater unity between communities to:
  • Advocate for participatory regional and bilateral arrangements among the riparian nations of the Indian Ocean for access to, and responsible management of, fisheries resources, consistent with the UNCLOS;
    
  • Discuss mechanisms for conflict resolution and conflict reduction in the Indian Ocean region and for humane treatment of fishworkers; and
    
  • Develop a shared vision statement for responsible utilization of fishery and coastal resources in the Indian Ocean Region.