Signed in March 2017, the Malta MedFish4Ever Ministerial Declaration is a joint commitment by Mediterranean riparian countries to take decisive steps over a decade to improve the management and governance of their fisheries.

MedFish4Ever aims to reverse the decline of Mediterranean fish stocks, strengthen fisheries governance, improve the resilience of coastal communities and ensure a sustainable future for Mediterranean fisheries through:

• Enhancing research, scientific assessment and data collection, ensuring that fisheries management decisions are based on reliable, transparent and comprehensive scientific information;
• Combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, through stronger monitoring, control and surveillance systems, improved compliance with fisheries regulations and greater cooperation among countries;
• Restoring and sustainably managing fish stocks, by implementing effective management measures, reducing overfishing and promoting the recovery of commercially important species to sustainable levels;
• Supporting small-scale fisheries and coastal communities, recognizing their essential contribution to employment, food security, cultural heritage and the socioeconomic fabric of the Mediterranean region, while promoting decent working conditions and social protection;
• Securing investment and mobilizing resources, to support priority actions for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, strengthen institutional capacities and facilitate the transition towards resilient and sustainable blue economies;
• Promoting regional cooperation, knowledge sharing and innovation, by encouraging the exchange of best practices, technologies and expertise among Mediterranean countries to improve fisheries governance and sustainability outcomes.