Download the report : English/French

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This SSF Forum workshop was held in Split, Croatia, on 9–10 April 2025, in collaboration with WWF. The meeting was attended by 41 participants from 8 Mediterranean countries, with women making up the majority of participants for the first time. The objective of this workshop was to bring together fishers from across the region to explore the impacts of fishing gear and share local success stories and practical examples. In particular, participants discussed the challenges and opportunities related to the adoption of selective fishing gear in small-scale fisheries and examined the effects of fishing gear on juveniles and vulnerable species, while also exploring selectivity measures and gear modifications that could offer sustainable alternatives. Participants also discussed the challenges, strategies and incentives that could encourage the adoption of more selective practices at the local level. In line with a participatory management approach for the development of scientific advice, the meeting report will be shared with relevant GFCM expert groups and stakeholders.