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ABSTRACT

In July 2021, the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) adopted its 2030 Strategy for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in the Mediterranean and Black Sea. Target 3 of the Strategy aims to achieve a sustainable and resilient aquaculture sector, with Output 3.3 promoting certification as a key driver to improve the perception of aquaculture through capacity building, regulatory frameworks and awareness.
Within this context, the Workshop on certification and labelling in fisheries and aquaculture was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 17 to 18 November 2025. Organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) in collaboration with the GFCM, the workshop brought together more than 60 participants in person and over 120 online from Saudi Arabia and other GFCM countries.
The discussions addressed international, regional and national developments in certification and labelling, emphasizing their role in enhancing sustainability, facilitating market access and strengthening consumer confidence. Particular attention was given to the challenges faced by small-scale producers, the importance of transparent labelling and traceability, and the role of public-private partnerships. The workshop underscored the need for harmonization, capacity building and strengthened regional cooperation to advance responsible certification and labelling practices in fisheries and aquaculture.