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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The eighth meeting of the Subregional Committee for the Western Mediterranean (SRC-WM) was held in Malaga, Spain, in hybrid modality, on 27–29 May 2025. 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 with relation blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) in the Alboran Sea and small-pelagic and demersal stocks in the subregion; ii) identify priority topics for fisheries in the subregion, including with relation to data collection, the provision of advice and the implementation of management measures; and iii) prepare a draft workplan to address priority issues for consideration by the SAC. In particular, the SRC-WM reviewed the outcomes of the management strategy evaluation (MSE) for blackspot seabream and provided recommendations for the selection of a harvest control rule for the determination of catch limits in the context of a rebuilding plan for the stock. It reviewed a fleet development plan for common dolphinfish in Algeria and formulated draft advice on the assessment of the effectiveness of multiannual management plans and on the status of demersal and small pelagic stocks in the subregion.  It also elaborated draft advice on a phased approach, including further data analyses, to support the definition of the boundaries of a future Fisheries Restricted Area to protect the Cabliers coral mounds, as well as on the identification of additional conservation priority areas hosting essential fish habitats and/or vulnerable marine ecosystems. Finally, the workplan for 2025–2027 was discussed and agreed upon.