Twenty-two countries and the European Union advanced their commitment to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture during the forty-eighth session of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Cyprus delegate with the outgoing GFCM Chairperson ©FAO-GFCM/Carlos Diaz

The meeting, hosted by Spain in Málaga, was opened by Luis Planas, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Spain, Costas Kadis, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans of the European Commission, Francisco de la Torre Prados, Mayor of Málaga, and Roland Kristo, Chairperson of the GFCM.

As the regional body in charge of managing fisheries and aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, the GFCM reviewed proposals for recommendations and resolutions based on the best available scientific advice. This year, 12 decisions were adopted.

Opening by Spanish Minister, L. Planas ©FAO-GFCM/Carlos Diaz

“The GFCM session symbolizes the union between two sister seas that share history, culture and life, and represents an opportunity to move towards sustainable fisheries and aquaculture,” said Planas. He called for “cooperation between states to secure the future of fisheries and fishing communities, in which profitability and sustainability must go hand in hand.”.

Strengthening compliance to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing 

One of the most important outcomes of this year’s session was the reinforcement of mechanisms to bolster compliance with GFCM decisions. The Commission agreed on an improved mechanism to assess data reporting and monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) obligations and will facilitate identifying gaps and assist countries and the GFCM in addressing them. This approach strengthens its capacity to implement targeted remedies, ranging from technical assistance to enhanced vessel monitoring system requirements, and take follow-up actions, thereby fostering a regional culture of compliance and collective ownership of corrective measures.

The session also saw progress in terms of MCS, as the GFCM agreed to strengthen the voluntary exchange of vessel monitoring system data and introduced a new requirement for all vessels over 20 m in length operating in waters outside national jurisdiction to have an International Maritime Organisation number, thus improving traceability.

Albania, Algeria, Egypt, the European Union and its Member States, Montenegro, Morocco and Türkiye once again achieved Compliance category 1, confirming a strong regional commitment to data reporting and transposition of GFCM decisions into national legal frameworks.

Eighteenth session of the Compliance Committee ©FAO-GFCM/Carlos Diaz

Boosting fisheries management

The adoption of a harvest control rule guiding future annual catch limits for blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) in the Alboran Sea represents a critical milestone in the management of this depleted stock. It follows the completion of a management strategy evaluation – a collaborative approach underscored by the highest international standards on fisheries governance with extensive participation of all relevant stakeholders. The decision marks the culmination of eight years of dedicated scientific and management efforts and is expected to guide the fishery towards achieving sustainability goals.

Blackspot seabream; Norway lobster ©FAO-GFCM/Ali Elly

In the Adriatic Sea, the Commission acknowledged the continued positive trends for four out of five demersal stocks, but noted that the status of Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) was different across stock units. The Commission adopted a recommendation which further reduces the fishing effort of bottom otter trawls and strengthens spatio-temporal measures for Norway lobster, while increasing, for the first time, the effort allocation for beam trawls targeting the sustainably exploited common sole (Solea solea).

Regarding the management of central-eastern Mediterranean fisheries, three recommendations extend the transitional period of the multiannual management plans for giant red shrimp (Aristaeomorpha foliacea) and blue and red shrimp (Aristeus antennatus) in the Strait of Sicily, Ionian Sea and Levant Sea. These species represent some of the most valuable fishery resources in the Mediterranean.

For the Black Sea, the Commission welcomed significant progress in fisheries management, as scientific advice is now available for six of the eight priority species. The successful implementation of the turbot management plan stands out as a key achievement. Alongside technical advancements, large-scale awareness campaigns reached thousands of fishers, spotlighting the urgent need to reduce bycatch of vulnerable species such as sturgeons, piked dogfish (Squalus acanthias) and harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena).

The Commission also established the regional GFCM Network of Experts on Fisheries and Climate Change, which will advance the integration of climate aspects into GFCM scientific advice with a pilot focused on European sprat (Sprattus sprattus).

Advancing sustainable aquaculture 

The Commission highlighted major progress in advancing sustainable aquaculture, praising stronger governance and scientific collaboration under the reformed Scientific Committee on Aquaculture, as well as improved coordination among its Technical Advisory Groups, and Information System for the Promotion of Aquaculture in the Mediterranean. This collaborative framework, also underpinned by the success of the Aquaculture Demonstration Centres in sharing knowledge across the region, continues to foster participatory, data-driven decision-making in the sector.

Aquaculture Demonstration Centres ©FAO-GFCM; Training on restorative aquaculture ©IRTA

Building on the outcomes of the 2024 Regional Aquaculture Conference, the Commission welcomed the shared regional vision for sustainability under the upcoming MedFish4Ever Declaration and emphasized the need for continued cooperation with farmers’ associations.

Two key resolutions were adopted to enhance environmental sustainability: a harmonized environmental monitoring programme and an initiative aimed at establishing aquaculture zones for restoration, both promoting ecosystem health and resilience.

Ukraine: from successful cooperation to full membership

The Commission warmly welcomed Ukraine as its twenty-fourth contracting party, marking a significant step forward in regional cooperation in the Black Sea.

“This is a historic moment for Ukraine. Full participation in the work of the GFCM opens up new opportunities for the development of fisheries, aquaculture and the conservation of marine ecosystems of the Black Sea. We are ready to actively participate in the implementation of the GFCM’s mission – the effective management of bioresources and support for the sustainable development of coastal communities,” said Taras Vysotsky, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine.

Ukrainian Deputy Minister, T. Vysotsky ©FAO-GFCM/Carlos Diaz

Since 2015, Ukraine had been a cooperating non-contracting party of the GFCM, contributing significantly to regional fisheries initiatives for assessing and restoring Black Sea commercial stocks. It supported sustainable aquaculture through capacity-development programmes, joined regional dialogues to strengthen MCS and aligned national legislation with GFCM standards.

New GFCM Bureau

The Commission welcomed the new GFCM Bureau for a four-year mandate. Eyüp Mümtaz Tiraşin of Türkiye is the new GFCM Chairperson, Francesco Saverio Abate of Italy is the first Vice-Chairperson and Saber Alazabi of Libya is the second Vice-Chairperson.

New GFCM bureau: S. Alazabi, E. Mümtaz Tiraşin and F. Saverio Abate ©FAO-GFCM/Adèle Peenaert; GFCM Executive Secretary, M. Bernal with outgoing GFCM Chairperson R. Kristo ©FAO-GFCM/Carlos Diaz

“Since 2018, together, we’ve laid the foundations for long-term sustainability in our region, we’ve deepened our scientific base, and we’ve shown that this Commission can be both a technical and political force for good,” reflected outgoing Chairperson Roland Kristo. “The GFCM is strong, focused, and ready for what’s next. I know the incoming Bureau will continue to lead with vision and determination.”