Aquaculture spatial planning

Sustainable aquaculture development in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea requires access to suitable and well-planned areas. The GFCM promotes allocated zones for aquaculture (AZAs) as a key spatial planning tool for responsible sector development, in line with Resolution GFCM/36/2012/1.

Based on marine spatial planning, AZAs integrate environmental, social and economic criteria to identify suitable areas for aquaculture while minimizing conflicts with other uses. The GFCM supports their wider implementation to promote sustainable aquaculture growth across the region.

GFCM action

Provide technical support for the establishment of AZAs in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, including country-level activities (in Albania, Algeria, Georgia, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia), field missions to support database development, the identification and delineation of suitable areas, the review of aquaculture legal frameworks, censuses of farming operations, as well as training on carrying capacity models
Organize capacity development activities on AZAs through dedicated workshops and tailored training courses on the application of geographic information systems (GIS) in aquaculture spatial planning and the establishment of AZAs
Develop and disseminate practical knowledge tools dedicated to AZAs, including a guide and an AZA toolkit, as well as specific guidance material and dedicated manuals, to facilitate the understanding and implementation of AZAs across the Mediterranean and the Black Sea