History
Within the GFCM and at the global level, much progress has been made in recent years to draw attention to small-scale fisheries (SSF) and to take action towards addressing the challenges faced by the sector.
Key events and milestones
2024 | Fourth meeting of the Working Group on Small-Scale Fisheries (WGSSF) (online, 20–21 March, 2024) During the Fourth meeting of the WGSSF, participants aimed to: i) assess the implementation of the RPOA-SSF; ii) enhance the scientific monitoring of SSF activities; iii) promote participatory management approaches for SSF; iv) examine issues related to SSF and climate and environment; v) examine issues related to SSF and value chain, the role of women and generational turnover; vi) reflect on the way forward in the implementation of the RPOA-SSF, including proposed changes to the RPOA-SSF monitoring framework; and vii) prepare a draft work plan to address priority issues for the consideration of the subregional committees and the SAC. The WGSSF formulated conclusions and recommendations, among others, on improving SSF stakeholder engagement; supporting the implementation of a two-pronged approach for SSF management, including on the one hand enhancing data to improve stock assessments of key species and, on the other hand, encouraging participatory approaches to fisheries management; better evaluating the impacts of SSF on discards and the incidental catch of vulnerable species; supporting the decarbonization of the SSF sector; enhancing knowledge of SSF value chains to better understand drivers of fisher behaviour and support management efforts; facilitating the submission of gender-disaggregated data; and fostering generational turnover, including through enhanced training opportunities. RPOA-SSF mid-term event at the second Small-Scale Fisheries Summit (SSF Summit) (FAO headquarters, Rome, Italy, 6–7 July 2024) The RPOA-SSF mid-term event was held in the context of the second edition of the SSF Summit. The meeting was attended by 52 small-scale fishers, SSF stakeholder organizations and non-governmental organizations from 15 Mediterranean and Black Sea countries, as well as the European Commission. As 2024 marked the half-way point in the ten-year RPOA-SSF, the meeting aimed to give voice to fishers and fish workers in evaluating advances in the implementation of the RPOA-SSF, assessing changing circumstances and shifting priorities, and providing guidance towards a more sustainable and resilient SSF sector by 2028. Conclusions and recommendations were adopted providing the way forward, with a strong emphasis on the urge to promote generational turnover and address the impacts of climate change, as well as on the need to consolidate a mechanism for the integration of inputs of SSF stakeholders in the fisheries management advisory process at both the regional and national levels. The RPOA-SSF mid-term event was not a standalone occurrence; rather, it represented a pivotal step within an ongoing process, building on consultations with technical experts held during the GFCM WGSSF in March 2024, and foreseen to be further enriched by decision-makers during the GFCM session in November 2024. |
2023 | Dedicated session on fishers of the future at the GFCM High-level conference on MedFish4Ever initiatives: Transformative actions to address new challenges (Malta, 3-4 October 2023) The MedFish4Ever Conference brought together high-level officials, fishers, fish farmers, scientists, managers, civil society organizations and other experts to survey the state of the vital fisheries and aquaculture sector and agree on transformative new actions towards a sustainable future. Senior government officials from 20 countries were in attendance. The conference proposed multidisciplinary panels to explore future challenges and potential solutions, including a session titled “Fishers of the future: Attracting a new generation of professionals to the fishing sector,” which featured participation from three SSF representatives from different Mediterranean countries who discussed how to promote generational turnover in the region's fishing sector. The conference concluded that efforts were needed to: i) sustainably manage fishery resources to ensure there are fish for future generations to fish; ii) facilitate training to support the adoption of sustainable techniques by fishers; iii) match funding support to the realities of the sector, including reducing bureaucracy for entry and for accessing funds; and iv) highlight the dynamism of the sector, noting that fishers of the future are entrepreneurs, tourism operators, marketers, digitalization experts, social media managers, etc. |
2022 | Third meeting of the Working Group on Small-Scale Fisheries (WGSSF) (online, 10 March 2022) During the Third meeting of the WGSSF, participants aimed to: i) improve the information and data collection on SSF; ii) continue working on the characterization of this sector, including through the identification of main commercial species per GFCM subregion, and iii) steer and coordinate an in-depth monitoring of the RPOA-SSF implementation. The experts reviewed different approaches to SSF data collection and the main coastal commercial species in the SSF sector, including interactions between SSF and recreational fisheries. Experts also worked towards endorsing a method to assess the implementation of the RPOA-SSF in the GFCM area of application. First "Small-Scale Fisheries Summit" to celebrate the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture (Rome, Italy, 2–4 September 2022) The SSF Summit aimed to promote dialogue and collaboration between and among small-scale fishers, fish farmers, fish workers, governments and other key partners along the value chain, as well as to further strengthen their capacity in enhancing sustainability in fisheries and aquaculture and improving their social development and well-being. The event was held in celebration of the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture (IYAFA 2022) prior to COFI. It was organized by the International Planning Committee Working Group on Fisheries, the Small-Scale Fisheries Resource and Collaboration Hub and the Mediterranean platform Friends of SSF and was coordinated by the GFCM and the World Wide Fund for Nature, with support from FAO. - Conclusions of the First Small-Scale Fisheries Summit (Rome, Italy, 2–4 September 2022) |
2021 | High-level conference "Advancing the RPOA-SSF in the context of the GFCM 2030 Strategy" (online, 30 June 2021) The objective of this high-level conference was to review early successes and lessons learned in implementing the RPOA-SSF and discuss topics for which increased focus was needed, particularly in light of changing priorities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. On this occasion, representatives from Mediterranean and Black Sea countries, the European Commission, FAO, the GFCM, and the World Wide Fund for Nature Mediterranean Marine Initiative reaffirmed their commitment to fully implement the RPOA-SSF and support small-scale fishers of the region. Furthermore, on this occasion, Egypt announced its intention to sign the RPOA-SSF, making it the nineteenth signatory CPC. Adoption of the GFCM 2030 Strategy for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea (Forty-fourth session of the Commission, online, 2–6 November 2021) The GFCM adopted its new 2030 Strategy for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea (GFCM 2030 Strategy) at its forty-fourth session. The GFCM 2030 Strategy was prepared through a series of high-level events and technical meetings in 2020 and 2021. It was politically endorsed on 9 July 2021 and formally adopted through a GFCM resolution in November 2021. The GFCM 2030 Strategy offers a common vision and guiding principles to achieve sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in the region, federating efforts to deliver on national, regional and global commitments. Building upon the progress made and concerted action between all stakeholders, it addresses the social, economic and environmental aspects of sustainability in order to build resilience to respond to global challenges. The GFCM 2030 Strategy upholds the heritage of fisheries and aquaculture as pillars for the livelihoods of coastal communities, championing a productive and sustainable food system that contributes to thriving economies and healthy ecosystems. It is articulated in five distinct targets that each contribute to this overarching vision for sustainability: Target 1 focuses on healthy seas and productive fisheries; Target 2 aims to ensure a level playing field to eradicate all illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; Target 3 helps realize the potential of a growing aquaculture sector; Target 4 supports livelihoods through decent employment and fishers engagement, and calls for the full implementation of the RPOA-SSF; and Target 5 fosters capacity development through technical cooperation and efficient partnerships across the region. - GFCM 2030 Strategy for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea | FAO, 2021 (AR | EN | ES | FR) |
2020 | Launch of the Small-Scale Fisheries Forum (SSF Forum; 26 February 2020) The GFCM, as part of the Friends of SSF platform, launched a forum devoted to SSF. The SSF Forum offers workshops and sessions to small-scale fishers and fish workers across the Mediterranean and Black Sea region. This initiative responds to the recommendations within the RPOA-SSF to offer support to small-scale fishers and fish workers to further develop their capacities and skills with regard to sustainable SSF and livelihoods. |
2019 | Second meeting of the Working Group on Small-Scale Fisheries (WGSSF) (Podgorica, Montenegro, 6–7 March 2019) During the second meeting of the WGSSF, participants: i) reviewed the fleet segmentation of the DCRF and its implications for the analysis of SSF in official data submissions; ii) discussed the “Matrix for the characterization of fishing activities” as a tool for characterizing SSF, including preliminary results from the application of the matrix in the GFCM area of application, based on data collected through the GFCM socioeconomic survey in Lebanon and testing carried out by partner organizations; iii) identified data collection needs and priorities for SSF in the region; iv) initiated discussions on potential fisheries management measures that could be applied to the SSF sector; v) provided guidance on a framework for monitoring the implementation of the RPOA-SSF, as well as the identification of short-term objectives and priority actions; and vi) prepared a draft workplan to address priority issues for the consideration of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Fisheries (SAC). The WGSSF agreed to fine tune variables within the characterization matrix in line with the Mediterranean and Black Sea specificities and to encourage further testing of the matrix at the national levels, using representative samples of the fleet. In the meantime, the WGSSF agreed on a transitory basis to include polyvalent vessels under 12 m length overall within calculations of SSF for the purpose of analysing official data submissions. Regarding data collection and management of SSF, the WGSSF agreed that basic requirements for adequate data collection included: i) a fleet registry inclusive of SSF vessels; ii) a clear obligation to report landings; and iii) specific actions to compile social and economic information on SSF. Workshop on “Advancing social development for the future of small-scale fisheries in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea” (Marrakech, Morocco, 10 June 2019) The Workshop on Advancing social development for the future of small-scale fisheries in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, held as a pre-conference event of the GFCM High-level conference on MedFish4Ever initiatives (Marrakech, Morocco, 11–12 June 2019), was organized to provide an opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to come together to discuss decent work, social protection and gender issues and propose future regional and national priority activities for implementation within the framework of the RPOA-SSF. Breakout groups, organized by GFCM subregion, identified key actions needed at the local, national and regional levels to advance social development in SSF. - Summary of breakout group discussions held during the workshop |
2018 | Signature of the Sofia Ministerial Declaration (Sofia, Bulgaria, 7 June 2018) Following the political will expressed by the high-level representatives that attended the High-level conference towards enhanced cooperation on Black Sea fisheries and aquaculture (Romania, October 2016), Black Sea countries met again in order to further strengthen governance and regional cooperation. On this occasion, the Sofia Declaration was signed, setting concrete objectives and actions to help develop comprehensive regional governance in the Black Sea. This declaration highlights the role of SSF in the Black Sea and calls for the establishment of a regional plan of action for SSF. - Dedicated webpage of the High-level conference on Black Sea fisheries and aquaculture - Sofia Ministerial Declaration High-level conference on sustainable small-scale fisheries in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea (St. Julian’s Malta, 25–26 September 2018) and signature of the Ministerial Declaration on a Regional Plan of Action for Small-scale Fisheries in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea (26 September 2018) This high-level conference represented a culmination of the work carried out within the GFCM context to elicit political will and concrete action to support SSF in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. The conference included a day dedicated to stakeholder discussions highlighting best practices in the region, followed by a high-level political meeting that culminated with the Ministerial Declaration on a Regional Plan of Action for Small-scale Fisheries in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea (RPOA-SSF). The RPOA-SSF is an ambitious roadmap with concrete and coherent measures addressing challenges and reinforcing opportunities for SSF by giving them voice in the decisions that affect their livelihoods, safeguarding environmentally sustainable fishing practices, and providing economic, social and employment benefits. On this occasion, the Friends of SSF platform was also officially launched. - The Regional Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea |
2017 | Signature of the Malta “MedFish4Ever” Ministerial Declaration (Valletta, Malta, 30 March 2017) The MedFish4Ever Declaration, initiated by the European Commission and adopted in March 2017, created a new governance of the Mediterranean fisheries and aquaculture, bringing, for the first time, joint political commitment of the countries in the region to implement a concrete roadmap in the coming ten years. This declaration highlights the role of SSF in the Mediterranean and calls for the establishment of a regional plan of action for SSF. - MedFish4Ever Ministerial Declaration First meeting of the Working Group on Small-Scale and Recreational Fisheries (WGSSF) (FAO headquarters, Rome, Italy, 12–13 September 2017) The meeting reviewed progress in the implementation of Target 2 of the GFCM Mid-term strategy, with a view to providing technical advice on SSF and recreational fisheries. In this respect, it reviewed indicators to characterize SSF and the proposed methodology for the regional socioeconomic survey for all fleet segments including SSF. To support the implementation of the SSF Guidelines, the WGSSF reviewed progress made to map SSF organizations and perform a capacity needs assessment, and approved a roadmap towards enhancing the engagement of SSF organizations. Furthermore, progress towards enhancing monitoring, control, and surveillance for SSF was discussed, and potential collaboration on this issue with SSF organizations was identified. Participants agreed on a workplan in support of the provision of advice on SSF, including actions to assess the biological, technical, spatial and socioeconomic characteristics of SSF towards the preparation of technical elements to support discussions on the management of this sector. Considering the separate characteristics and challenges of small-scale and recreational fisheries, it was agreed to create a separate Working Group on Recreational Fisheries (WGRF), so that the WGSSF could focus on SSF issues. |
2016 | Regional conference on “Building a future for sustainable small-scale fisheries in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea” (Algiers, Algeria, 7–9 March 2016) The Regional conference built on the momentum created by the First Regional Symposium on Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Mediterranean and Black Sea (Malta, November 2013), offering an opportunity to intensify efforts to support SSF. The regional conference culminated in the adoption of conclusions which sought to identify efficient mechanisms and coordinated strategies to secure a future for the Mediterranean and the Black Sea’s vibrant and crucial SSF sector. In particular, the conference called for a tailored implementation of the SSF Guidelines in the region. - Conclusions of the Regional Conference on “Building a future for sustainable small-scale fisheries in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea” (Algiers, Algeria, 7–9 March 2016) (AR | EN | FR) Adoption of Resolution GFCM/40/2016/3 on sustainable small-scale fisheries in the GFCM area of application (Fortieth session of the Commission, St. Julian’s, Malta, 30 May – 3 June 2016) Acknowledging the importance of the 2016 Regional Conference on “Building a future for sustainable small-scale fisheries in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea” (Algeria, March 2016) and underlining the significance of the conference conclusions, the GFCM adopted a dedicated resolution calling on countries to build political will to support SSF and to facilitate the elaboration of national strategies to support the SSF sector, including through implementing the conference conclusions and the SSF Guidelines. - Resolution GFCM/40/2016/3 on sustainable small-scale fisheries in the GFCM area of application (EN | FR) Adoption of Resolution GFCM/40/2016/2 for a mid-term strategy (2017–2020) towards the sustainability of Mediterranean and Black Sea fisheries (Fortieth session of the Commission, St. Julian’s, Malta, 30 May – 3 June 2016) In view of improving the sustainability of Mediterranean and Black Sea fisheries by 2020 and ensuring that the alarming trend in the status of commercially exploited stocks is reversed, the GFCM adopted a resolution in 2016 establishing a Mid-term strategy (2017–2020) towards the sustainability of Mediterranean and Black Sea fisheries. The Mid-term strategy is based on five targets – with associated outputs and proposed actions – including Target 2: Support livelihoods for coastal communities through sustainable small-scale fisheries. This instrument represents an important attempt to tailor the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 to the needs and specificities of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. - Resolution GFCM/40/2016/2 for a mid-term strategy (2017–2020) towards the sustainability of Mediterranean and Black Sea fisheries (EN | FR) - Mid-term strategy (2017–2020) towards the sustainability of Mediterranean and Black Sea fisheries: five targets, selected outputs, proposed actions | FAO, 2017 (EN | FR) Signature of the declaration of the High-level conference towards enhanced cooperation on Black Sea fisheries and aquaculture (Bucharest Declaration; Bucharest, Romania, 25 October 2016) Ministers and high-level representatives from the Black Sea region gathered in Bucharest on the occasion of a GFCM High-level Conference towards enhanced cooperation on Black Sea fisheries and aquaculture where they unanimously adopted a declaration to enhance their cooperation in tackling the most urgent challenges to achieving sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. For the first time in the region, this declaration marked a strong political commitment to adopt a common and collaborative approach to promote the rational exploitation of marine living resources and sustainable aquaculture development, to fight against illegal practices and to mitigate threats to the marine environment. The declaration highlights, in particular, the role of SSF in the Black Sea and the need to manage these fisheries while continually sustaining livelihoods in this sector. |
2014 | Endorsement of the “Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication” (SSF Guidelines) (Thirty-first session of the Committee on Fisheries, Rome, Italy, 9–13 June 2014) The SSF Guidelines are aimed at all actors striving to secure sustainable SSF, to end hunger and poverty and strengthen human rights. They are a tool to guide dialogue, policy processes and action at all levels, from local communities to global fora. The thirty-first session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI) endorsed the SSF Guidelines and welcomed FAO’s proposal for a global assistance programme to support their implementation. - Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines) | FAO, 2015 ( AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH) - Report of the Thirty-first Session of the Committee on Fisheries (Rome, Italy, 9–13 June 2014) |
2013 | First Regional Symposium on Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Mediterranean and Black Sea (Saint Julian’s, Malta, 27–30 November 2013) For the first time in the region, national administrations, international organizations, scientists, nongovernmental organizations, fisher communities, stakeholders and civil society sat around the same table to address issues of common interest and challenges for building common strategies, synergies and cooperation to support the sustainable development of this sector. The discussions provided insights on the main issues at stake and laid the groundwork for a regional programme fostering knowledge on SSF and involving all interested stakeholders. |
