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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The sixth meeting of the Subregional Committee for the Central Mediterranean (SRC-CM) was held in Tunis, Tunisia, in hybrid modality from 28 to 30 March 2023. The aims of the meeting were to: i) compile relevant information on the status of central Mediterranean fisheries and provide advice to the Scientific Advisory Committee on Fisheries (SAC), including on urgent actions towards sustainability and following the requests made by the Commission, in particular in relation to demersal fisheries in the Strait of Sicily, deep-water red shrimp (Aristaeomorpha foliacea and Aristeus antennatus) fisheries in the Strait of Sicily and the Ionian sea and common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) on the Mediterranean; ii) identify priority topics for the subregion, including in relation to data collection, provision of advice and implementation of management measures; and iii) prepare a draft workplan to address priority issues for the consideration of the SAC. The SRC-CM formulated draft advice on issues related to fisheries in the subregion, including the monitoring of central Mediterranean fisheries, the identification of conservation priority areas hosting essential fish habitats and/or vulnerable marine ecosystems, standardized scientific monitoring plans for FRAs as well as a summary of the status of the stocks, the assessment and management of European hake (Merluccius merluccius) and deep-water rose shrimp (Parapaeneus longirostris) in the Strait of Sicily, deep-water red shrimp in the Strait of Sicily and the Ionian se,a and drafted technical elements for the management of common dolphinfish in the Mediterranean. The workplan for 2023–2025 was discussed and agreed upon.