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ABSTRACT

The Working Group on Monitoring and Control Measures (WGMCM) was held in Nice, France, on 9–12 June 2026. The WGMCM was attended by 40 experts from GFCM contracting parties and cooperating non-contracting parties (CPCs), representatives from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretariat, relevant observers and the GFCM Secretariat. The WGMCM discussed the operationalization of the compliance assessment mechanism, including the implementation of follow-up actions under non-compliance categories B and C. The WGMCM considered progress in the implementation of instruments in the fight against illegal,
unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, including the IMO number scheme, catch documentation schemes for red coral and turbot, and GFCM fisheries restricted areas. The WGMCM noted progress towards the operationalization of the monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) portal and supported the further development of its draft guidelines, additional testing and feedback through a dedicated workshop, and the prioritization of interoperability with national systems. The WGMCM discussed the implementation of GFCM joint inspection schemes, including the development of templates for reporting sightings, inspections and follow-up actions. The WGMCM also considered monitoring and reporting mechanisms for small-scale fisheries and acknowledged minimum data requirements as a potential basis for a regional template for small-scale fisheries catch reporting. The WGMCM commended the technical assistance provided on MCS-related issues, including support for the amendment and alignment of national legislation, the development of National Plans of Action to combat IUU fishing, the testing of fleet monitoring technologies and the marking of fishing gear. The technical inputs provided by the WGMCM will inform the work of the Commission and the Compliance Committee on monitoring and control measures and the fight against IUU fishing.