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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The sixth meeting of the Subregional Committee for the Western Mediterranean (SRC-WM) was held in Malaga, Spain, in hybrid modality, on 12–14 April 2023. The aims of the meeting were to: i) compile relevant information on the status of western 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 the blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) fishery in the Alboran Sea, demersal and small pelagic species in the subregion, common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) in the Mediterranean Sea, the establishment of a fisheries restricted area (FRA) in the Cabliers coral mound in the Alboran Sea and the development of a research programme on jellyfish in the western 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-WM formulated draft advice on issues related to fisheries in the subregion, including the monitoring of western Mediterranean fisheries, the identification of conservation priority areas hosting essential fish habitats and/or vulnerable marine ecosystems, standardized scientific monitoring plans for FRAs, the assessment and management of blackspot seabream in the Alboran Sea, common dolphinfish in the Mediterranean and other demersal and small pelagic species, as well as on priority research needs for the subregion, including the survey-at-sea in the Cabliers seamound area. The workplan for 2023–2025 was discussed and agreed.