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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The first meeting of the Working Group on the Cabliers coral mound province (WGCABLIERS) was held in FAO headquarters, Rome, Italy, on 20–21 May 2024. The objectives of the meeting were to discuss the socioeconomic and legal frameworks, as well as potential management and control measures, based on the results of the spring 2024 campaign for the establishment of a fisheries restricted area (FRA) in the Cabliers coral mound in the Alboran Sea. The working group reviewed the results of the Proteus survey, confirming the ecological importance of the Cabliers coral mound area and noting the species diversity and potential essential fish habitats observed during dives of remotely operated vehicles. The working group discussed the implementation of Resolution GFCM/46/2023/2 on a roadmap for the implementation of a fisheries restricted area in the Cabliers coral mounds in the Alboran Sea towards the adoption of adequate protection and management measures, amending Resolution GFCM/45/2022/4 among contracting parties and cooperating non contracting parties – Algeria, Morocco and Spain (European Union) – and reviewed preliminary fishing activity data from 2021–2023, highlighting ongoing challenges regarding data analysis. The working group agreed on the need to define the FRA boundaries, apply precautionary fisheries management and ensure transparency and data sharing. It advised adopting precautionary measures to protect Cabliers reefs and updating the roadmap for complete FRA establishment, including spatial limits, socioeconomic analysis, gear regulations, control measures and scientific monitoring.