A fishing boat in Greek waters.
Photo: Adobe Stock.
Efforts to eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Mediterranean have taken a significant step forward as countries in the region join forces to improve monitoring and enforcement. This cooperation, led by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), aims to safeguard marine ecosystems and promote a sustainable blue economy, the GFCM said in a press announcement.
IUU fishing undermines biodiversity, depletes fish stocks, and hampers conservation. The GFCM, through its Fisheries and ecosystem-based management for the blue economy of the Mediterranean project (FishEBM MED), is addressing these challenges by fortifying legal frameworks, training fisheries inspectors, and advancing monitoring technologies.
By empowering stakeholders, these efforts ensure compliance with sustainable fisheries practices and bolster regional cooperation, the GFCM said.
In November 2024, officials from eight Mediterranean nations gathered in Spain for a five-day training course on monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) techniques. Supported by Spain and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the initiative brought together inspectors from Albania, Algeria, Egypt, Montenegro, Morocco, Libya, Tunisia, and Türkiye.
Participants gained hands-on experience with innovative tools such as drones and Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS). Practical field visits and workshops enabled inspectors to share best practices and apply new technologies, enhancing their capabilities to combat IUU fishing.
The FishEBM MED project is also reinforcing national legal frameworks, the GFCM said. In October 2024, officials analysed whether domestic laws aligned with GFCM decisions and international agreements like the FAO Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA), and discussed drafting national plans to combat IUU fishing and implement the GFCM Regional Plan of Action. Moroccan officials emphasized the value of tools for traceability and inspections, suggesting future trainings include insights into export processes.
Spain, a longstanding leader in the fight against IUU fishing, shared its advanced monitoring systems and enforcement strategies during the training. Spain’s efforts exemplify how robust legal frameworks and innovative tools can deter violations and promote regional compliance, the GFCM said.
