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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The second meeting of the Working Group on Small-Scale Fisheries (WGSSF) of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) Scientific Advisory Committee on Fisheries (SAC) was held in Podgorica, Montenegro on 6–7 March 2019. The meeting i) reviewed the fleet segmentation of the Data Collection Reference Framework (DCRF) and its implication for the analysis of small-scale fisheries (SSF) from official data submissions; ii) discussed the “Matrix for the characterization of fishing activities” as a tool for characterizing SSF, including preliminary results from the application of the matrix in the GFCM area of application based on data collected through the GFCM socio-economic survey in Lebanon and testing carried out by partner organizations; iii) identified data collection needs and priorities for SSF in the region; iv) initiated discussions on potential fisheries management measures that could be applied to the SSF sector; v) provided guidance on a framework for monitoring the implementation of the Regional plan of action for small-scale fisheries in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea (RPOA-SSF), as well as the identification of short-term objectives and priority actions; and vi) prepared a draft work plan to address priority issues for the consideration of the SAC.

The WGSSF agreed to fine tune variables within the characterization matrix in line with the Mediterranean and Black Sea specificities and to encourage further testing of the matrix at national levels, using representative samples of the fleet. In the meantime, the WGSSF agreed on a transitory basis to include polyvalent vessels under 12 metres LOA within calculations of SSF for the purpose of analyzing official data submissions. Regarding data collection and management of SSF, the WGSSF agreed that basic requirements for adequate data collection included i) a fleet registry inclusive of SSF vessels, ii) a clear obligation to report landings and iii) specific actions to compile social and economic information on SSF. Finally, the WGSSF agreed to a simplified framework for monitoring the implementation of the RPOA-SSF and identified priority actions to be carried out in the short-term, detailed within a work plan for the 2019–2021 intersessions.