GFCM News

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The International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing is not merely a note on the calendar. It is a global call to protect our oceans and the communities who depend...

The Mediterranean and the Black Sea are treasures of marine biodiversity providing essential economic resources for coastal communities and beyond. Recent years have seen progress in reducing overfishing in the region, with the percentage of overfished stocks in the Mediterranean...
Focus on the Adriatic Sea: advancing the long-term sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture
29 April 2025
29 April 2025

EN | AL | HR | IT
This month marks the entry into force of the 17 decisions that the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) adopted at its...

The boat rocked gently as we approached the first farm, in the middle of an endless blue stretching to the horizon. A few years ago, these aquaculture cages sat closer to shore, but today, they are anchored farther out at...
Fisheries restricted areas and how the GFCM contributes to biodiversity conservation
26 February 2025
26 February 2025

Two decades ago, the GFCM established the first fisheries restricted area (FRA) in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea in support of fisheries management. In spring 2025, the eleventh FRA will enter into force.
While marine protected areas (MPAs) are the...
Two seas, one vision: celebrating women in science in the Mediterranean and Black Sea region
11 February 2025
11 February 2025

Women occupy critical roles throughout the fisheries and aquaculture value chains – from fish farming, repairing fishing vessels and gear, and post-harvest processing to research, inspection, and administrative work. Women's empowerment is essential to achieve a Blue Transformation and ensure...
From coast to coast: enhancing cooperation to eradicate IUU fishing in the Mediterranean
16 December 2024
16 December 2024

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing remains a major threat to marine ecosystems, undermining sustainable fisheries and biodiversity conservation. By preying on weak management systems and enforcement gaps, particularly in countries with limited capacity for effective monitoring and control, IUU...
Mediterranean and Black Sea countries align on shared vision for sustainable aquaculture
05 December 2024
05 December 2024

EN | AR | FR
Climate and economic resilience, governance, innovation, research, data collection and animal welfare are key pillars for the sustainable growth of aquaculture in the region
Representatives from over 30 countries gathered in Heraklion, Greece, for the largest...

Mediterranean and Black Sea countries convene every year at the session of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to adopt decisions for fisheries conservation and management in...