Budva, Montenegro - On the occasion of its forty-first session, held in Budva, Montenegro on 16-20 October 2017, the GFCM took decisive steps to advance in the implementation of its mid-term strategy towards the sustainability of Mediterranean and Black Sea fisheries and to secure a strategy for sustainable aquaculture development. As a result of the commitment emanating from the GFCM mid-term strategy and thanks to the joint efforts of Mediterranean and Black Sea riparian countries, no fewer than eight binding recommendations and six resolutions were adopted. Along with the many activities already launched to achieve the ambitious goals set, these decisions will be paramount for the recovery of fish stocks, the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, the protection of vulnerable habitats and the sustainable development of aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

Of particular note is the decision to establish a fisheries restricted area in the Jabuka/Pomo Pit – a key area in terms of essential fish habitats located in the Adriatic Sea. Other notable decisions include the agreement to manage blackspot seabream fisheries in the Alboran Sea and turbot fisheries in the Black Sea; the establishment of a regional plan of action to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; the decision to implement an international joint inspection and surveillance scheme in waters outside national jurisdiction in the Strait of Sicily; the establishment of a regional adaptive management plan for the exploitation of red coral in the Mediterranean Sea; and the decision to implement a strategy for the sustainable development of Mediterranean and Black Sea aquaculture.

The resolve shown by riparian states in Montenegro is a significant step towards reversing the alarming status of the stocks, boosting blue growth and sustaining livelihoods for the region. Furthermore, these actions take place against the backdrop of riparian states commitments towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. This outcome also represents significant steps towards reaching the commitments put forth through the Malta MedFish4Ever Ministerial Declaration and the Bucharest Declaration of the High-level Conference towards enhanced cooperation on Black Sea fisheries and aquaculture.

In line with the momentum created, the GFCM also announced the organization of a number of important events in 2018. In particular, a high-level conference for the Black Sea will be organized in Bulgaria, a high-level meeting on small-scale fisheries is planned to take place in Malta and an international Forum on Fisheries Science is being organized at FAO headquarters at the end of the year. These major events will shine a light on the efforts currently being deployed to secure regional cooperation, support the region’s small-scale fisheries sector and enhance global scientific expertise in support of the work of the GFCM and of other regional fisheries management organizations.

Finally, the GFCM renewed its strong commitment to cooperation when granting cooperating non-contracting party status to the Republic of Moldova, resulting in a new total of four countries actively collaborating and participating in GFCM activities. This is an important signal that shows a clear and shared willingness to work together in reaching common goals, levelling the playing field in the region and achieving the important targets set for fisheries and aquaculture in the near future.

“Despite the complex situation in the region, the GFCM has made enormous strides to promote cooperation among all riparian States in order to build a better future for fisheries and aquaculture in the region. We are determined to continue to foster a subregional approach and work more closely with those countries facing similar challenges”, said Abdellah Srour, GFCM Executive Secretary.

In noting that the opening of the GFCM session coincided with the celebration of the World Food Day, a major global FAO event, Árni M. Mathiesen, Assistant Director-General, FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, made clear that “the GFCM, in its capacity of Article XIV body, has a key role to play in promoting food security in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea by ensuring the sustainability of the region’s living marine resources for many generations to come”.

Picture: the Jabuka-Pomo Pit, Adriatic Sea @GFCM/Elisabetta Morello