General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean - GFCM

Research Programme
on red coral

Red coral (Corallium rubrum) has experienced a decrease in landings in the Mediterranean over the past 20 years and, in some areas, its shallow populations are nearly depleted.

In order to fill important knowledge gaps on the status of this species in the region, GFCM contracting parties and cooperating non-contracting parties (CPCs) agreed to establish a research programme on red coral.

Objectives:

This research programme aimed to consolidate a network of experts from research institutions and administrations to address all aspects related to the biology and ecology of red coral, as well as the status of red coral populations and fisheries in the Mediterranean. Its main objective was to assist the GFCM, through the best available scientific and technical advice, in improving the management of red coral fisheries and in creating a dedicated catch certification scheme, with a view to ensuring sustainability at the environmental, social and economic levels.

Area of implementation

Focus Countries:

Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Morocco, Tunisia

Duration

2020–2023

Actions

Investigate harvested populations of red coral by means of onboard observers, deep-sea diving and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) surveys and provide precautionary advice on the status of red coral populations.

Compile information on existing traceability mechanisms in Mediterranean countries and provide recommendations to strengthen and harmonize them through a pilot project on traceability mechanisms for raw coral colonies collected in the GFCM area of application.

Conduct laboratory analyses on samples of live red coral colonies and extend their focus to cover ex situ laboratory analyses of harvested populations of red coral.

Develop suitable stock assessment models for red coral.

Conduct a pilot project involving detailed analysis of the socioeconomic aspects of Mediterranean red coral fisheries.

Relevant Decisions

Recommendation GFCM/47/2024/2 on long-term measures for the sustainable exploitation of red coral, amending Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/4 and repealing Recommendations GFCM/45/2022/2 and GFCM/46/2023/13

Recommendation GFCM/46/2023/19 on the establishment of a catch documentation scheme for red coral in the Mediterranean Sea

Recommendation GFCM/46/2023/13 on a management plan for the sustainable exploitation of red coral in the Mediterranean Sea, amending Recommendations GFCM/45/2022/2 and GFCM/43/2019/4

Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/4 on a management plan for the sustainable exploitation of red coral in the Mediterranean Sea

Learn more about the GFCM management-oriented research.