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ABSTRACT

In the context of the GFCM 2030 Strategy for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, reducing food loss and food waste (FLW) is increasingly recognized as a critical priority area for strengthening sustainability, food security and resilience of fisheries and aquaculture value chains in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Addressing FLW contributes directly to improving resource efficiency, increasing aquatic food availability and supporting the achievement of relevant Sustainable Development Goals. Within this framework, the Workshop1 on the reduction of fish waste and fish loss in the GFCM region was held in Trabzon, Türkiye, from 21 to 23 October 2025. The workshop was organized by the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) and the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies (TAGEM), with the support of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), and was hosted by the Central Fisheries Research Center (SUMAE). It brought together more than 20 participants from across the GFCM region. The workshop provided a platform to share national and regional experiences, review methodological approaches and discuss challenges related to food loss and waste in fisheries and aquaculture. Particular emphasis was placed on small-scale fisheries and aquaculture, data and knowledge gaps, infrastructure constraints and opportunities for circular economy approaches. Discussions highlighted the need for strengthened regional collaboration, capacity building and integration of FLW considerations into broader strategies for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development.