For thousands of years, small-scale fisheries (SSF) have been integral to societies and cultures around the Mediterranean and Black Sea. They contribute significantly to food security and provide valuable employment opportunities, particularly in vulnerable coastal communities. SSF also play a key role in maintaining local traditions and cultural heritage in the region, creating added value for other related sectors, such as the region’s restaurant and tourism industries. Today, small-scale fisheries make up the overwhelming majority of the fishing fleet in the region, accounting for over four out of every five vessels and some 59 percent of total on-board jobs.

The GFCM is taking concerted action to promote the long-term sustainability of SSF in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, enhancing data collection, engaging with SSF stakeholders, building capacity and driving political support for this important fishing sector.