Meaningful progress has been made in improving social protection coverage in the Mediterranean and Black Sea region, resulting in both better fisher resilience and fisheries management.

Over the past decade, the importance of advancing social development for fishers in the Mediterranean and Black Sea region has become more prominent than ever. In particular, for the contracting parties and co-operating non-contracting parties (CPCs) of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), the extension of social protection coverage for fishers in the region has become an increasing priority. It has been recognized as an essential tool to enhance adaptive capacity and resilience of fishers, while contributing to the twin goals of improved livelihoods and sustainable fisheries management.