EU and Neighbourhood countries commit to enhanced fisheries management control in the Mediterranean and Black Sea

Among the main measures, the EU and neighbouring countries agreed within the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) to launch new tools to keep track of the activities of all fleets fishing in the Mediterranean and the Black Seas and sharing the various multiannual management plans (MAPs). The new mechanism will follow up on cases of non-compliance through appropriate and proportionate measures. To consolidate joint efforts in the Mediterranean and make sure the measures deliver on the ground, a European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) patrol vessel will be deployed permanently still this year.

At the 46^th annual meeting of the GFCM, which took place between 6-10 November in Split, the EU and neighbouring countries agreed to reinforce the level playing field in control and management of fisheries in the Mediterranean and the Black Seas. This is a key step in ensuring that all operators involved in fisheries follow the same standards, based on the principles of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).

Thanks to the efforts of the European Commission, member states and more than 12 other coastal states, the GFCM unanimously adopted a total of 34 shared measures. The EU will support the implementation of the measures and the GFCM 2030 Strategy with an annual grant of €8 million.

Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius said: “The agreed measures are a responsible decision taken jointly by EU and non-EU countries for the sustainable management of our fisheries in the Mediterranean and Black Sea. With the reinforcement of joint control and compliance, we are making sure that fishers in the region can continue fishing in the long term. At the same time, these are important steps for the protection of the fragile ecosystems in these seas.”

More information is available in the press release.

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