"Aquaculture is a pillar of development for our country and the wider Mediterranean region. Through cooperation, we lay the foundations for a sustainable, innovative, and resilient sector," said Konstantinos Tsiaras, Greece’s Minister for Rural Development and Food.
Photo: FAO/GFCM.
The future of aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea was in the spotlight last week, as representatives from over 30 countries gathered in Heraklion, Greece, for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)'s largest regional aquaculture conference to date, “Shaping the Future of Sustainable Aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.”
The two-day event was organized by the FAO's General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), in collaboration with the Government of Greece and supported by the European Union.
"Our countries share a vision deeply rooted in common goals and realities," said Miguel Bernal, Executive Secretary of the GFCM, in a press announcment. "This strong representation of the regional aquaculture community is a vital step toward sustainability."
The conference brought together high-level decision-makers, aquaculture experts, researchers, small-scale farmers, and representatives of international organizations.
Special focus was placed on empowering women in the sector through the newly formed Network of Women in Aquaculture, a GFCM initiative aimed at fostering gender equity.
Discussions focused on innovation, sustainability, and resilience as the region confronts global challenges such as food insecurity, climate change, and biodiversity degradation.
Building on a decade of progress since the inaugural conference in Bari, Italy in 2014, participants reviewed significant milestones in the sector, including a 91.3% growth in marine and brackish water aquaculture production and a 74.5% increase in revenues.
The event also highlighted regulatory advancements such as the expansion of allocated aquaculture zones from 30% to 73%, and increased environmental monitoring efforts.
Another key development over the past decade has been the establishment of a series of Aquaculture Demonstration Centres, specialized hubs where the sector can share knowledge, promote technical cooperation and increase stakeholder capacity at a subregional level. Such Centres have been established in countries including Egypt, Romania, Tunisia, and Türkiye, and have provided training to thousands of individuals, with plans for a new center to be opened in Bulgaria by 2025.
As the outcome of the conference, participants outlined five strategic priorities for aquaculture by 2030:
Enhancing Food Security: Ensuring aquaculture continues to provide affordable, nutritious food while supporting local economies.
Promoting Ecosystem-Based Growth: Integrating practices that support biodiversity and restore marine ecosystems.
Strengthening Governance: Harmonizing regulations and involving stakeholders in equitable decision-making.
Advancing Innovation: Implementing climate-adapted species and sustainable technologies.
Ensuring Social Responsibility: Prioritizing gender equity, youth participation, and worker welfare.
Speaking at the event, Charlina Vitcheva, Director General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the European Commission, said "A new vision for the sustainable development of aquaculture is taking shape today. This conference marks a significant milestone in ensuring actions benefit both aquaculture and local communities."
"Aquaculture is a pillar of development for our country and the wider Mediterranean region. Through cooperation, we lay the foundations for a sustainable, innovative, and resilient sector," said Konstantinos Tsiaras, Greece’s Minister for Rural Development and Food.
The GFCM says that, as the conference conclusions are adopted, they will inform the GFCM’s strategic actions, contributing to the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference and the next MedFish4Ever Declaration.
