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ABSTRACT

The meeting of the Working Group for the Analysis of Fisheries Monitoring Data (WGANALYSIS) on socioeconomic data was held online on 8–9 April 2026. The aims of the meeting were to: i) review and appraise current socioeconomic data submissions, according to the GFCM Data Collection Reference Framework (DCRF) Task VI reporting obligations, with particular attention on identifying gaps, inconsistencies and opportunities for improvement; ii) work towards identifying and agreeing on a core set of socioeconomic indicators essential for the fisheries advisory process and the evaluation of the effectiveness of management impacts; iii) examine ongoing socioeconomic data collection initiatives and methodologies and appraise their applicability for the indicators at point ii; and iv) discuss and draft a roadmap towards advancing into the future. The WGANALYSIS formulated conclusions, among others, on the need to further strengthen data quality controls within the DCRF platform to provide contracting parties and cooperating non-contracting parties (CPCs) with real time feedback to facilitate early detection and resolution of data issues; on the need to streamline data collection and collation, while recognizing the utility of local ecological knowledge in providing indicative information to fill data gaps; on the importance of clearly defining the socioeconomic management objectives and their scope, as well as clear communication with stakeholders on the expected impacts of management measures. A key outcome of the meeting was the agreement to consolidate a regional network of fisheries socioeconomic experts, considering this network a mechanism to strengthen regional capacity, foster knowledge exchange and provide input to relevant GFCM working groups and statutory bodies, thereby supporting the integration of socioeconomic considerations within the fisheries advisory process in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. The working group also agreed on a workplan for 2026–2028.