The GFCM’s approach to IUU fishing has previously focused mainly on monitoring, control and surveillance. More recently, however, the Compliance Committee has been working with the SAC and WGBS to develop a methodology to assess the levels of IUU fishing taking place in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

A series of short, medium and long-term assessments will help to establish the economic impact of IUU fishing; while the scientific information collected though these exercises will support decision-making by the GFCM. The GFCM’s work in this area is based on the global methodology to assess IUU fishing which is currently being developed by FAO, with regional adaptations where required.