General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean

Healthy seas are essential for productive fisheries and aquaculture. Conserving the marine environment is therefore a central aspect of the GFCM’s work.

As the region faces increasing pressure from a range of anthropogenic sources, such as climate change, non-indigenous species and pollution, the GFCM works with partner organizations to monitor and reduce negative interactions and impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems.

FAO major fishing area 37

Infographic on Mediterranean and Black Sea biodiversity, climate change and human pressures

Spatial management

Ecosystem approach to fisheries and aquaculture

Climate change

Marine pollution

The State of Mediterranean and Black Sea Fisheries 2025

The State of Mediterranean and Black Sea Fisheries provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date review of the status and trends of fisheries and aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

Latest news

News
From healthy seas to healthy foods: a journey across aquatic food systems
10/10/2026

This October, several events will highlight the importance of aquatic foods and the ecosystems that sustain them. From World Food Day and the Global...

Shoal of anchovy and sardine
A targeted approach to sustainability: the GFCM priority species explained
25/09/2026

The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) plays a critical...

New Adriatic Sea fisheries unit inaugurated in Split to strengthen science-based fisheries management
04/09/2026

The Adriatic Sea Technical Unit of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United...

Closer to the catch: Egypt strengthens fisheries monitoring through port-based offices
05/08/2026

Every day, thousands of fishers land their catches along Egypt's extensive Mediterranean coastline, generating valuable information that can help shape...

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