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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The fifth meeting of the Subregional Committee for the Western Mediterranean (SRC-WM) of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) was held online on 19–22 April 2022. The aims of the SRC-WM were to:i) provide advice on blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo)and on common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus), in line with the adopted recommendations; ii) compile relevant information on the status of other western Mediterranean fisheries and provide advice to the GFCM Scientific Advisory Committee on Fisheries (SAC), including on urgent actions towards sustainability and following the requests made by the Commission; iii) identify priority topics for the subregion, including in relation to data collection, the provision of advice and the implementation of management measures; and iv) prepare a draft work plan to address subregional priority issues for the consideration of the SAC.

The SRC-WM formulated draft advice on the status of the western Mediterranean stocks, on issues related to fisheries in the subregion, including small-scale and recreational fisheries and the monitoring of western Mediterranean fisheries. It updated the technical elements for the management of blackspot seabream in the Strait of Gibraltar and was informed of the progress on the implementation of the Research Programme on common dolphinfish. It also discussed the status of the stocks, the assessment and management of both species and of small pelagics in Alboran sea. It also analysed and commented on two proposals for the establishment of fisheries restricted areas, one located in the Alboran Sea, (Cabliers Coral Mound Province) comprising geographical subareas (GSAs) 3 and 4, and another located in the Gulf of Lions, GSA 7 (Martí and Sete Canyons). Finally, it proposed a work plan for the 2022–2024 period.