At its annual session, the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) has adopted a set of recommendations based on proposals made by the European Union (EU), which are key to improving the sustainable management of fisheries for shared stocks in the Mediterranean and Black Sea.
Commissioner Karmenu Vella said: “I very much welcome the progress made at the GFCM meeting. The commitment made by contracting parties from all corners of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea to introduce measures to further address monitoring and compliance is an important step forward.”
“I remain committed towards encouraging continued effort to promote, secure, and invest in sustainable fishing practices with our partners from across the Mediterranean. I am confident that through meeting our joint commitments we can revive fish stocks and ensure the longer term viability of our industry,” the Commissioner added.
Key steps taken at the session held in Milan from 25 to 29 May include the commitment for parties to efficiently manage the number of trawlers authorised to fish in the Strait of Sicily and to ensure that their fleet is equipped with Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS). These renewed commitments move the EU a step closer towards a level playing field in the Mediterranean.
Fisheries management measures were also agreed for the Adriatic Sea and Black Sea, particularly for turbot which is subject to IUU activities. Efforts will now need to focus on fully implementing the agreed measures.
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