At the 47th annual meeting of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GEAM), held on 4-8 November in Rome, the European Union (EU) and its neighboring countries approved important measures for the sustainability of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

These measures include the creation of a first no-fishing area between the EU and Albania to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems such as the Acanella arbuscula coral and key benthic habitats. With the approval of this new zone, in addition to the existing Jabuka Pomo zone, the Adriatic emerges as the Mediterranean sub-region with the most extensive seabed protection.

Following the EU’s example, GEAM integrated conservation measures for European eel and red corals, building on GEAM research projects funded by the EU. GEAM also agreed to make efforts to collect scientific data for future management measures and conservation of sensitive species such as dogfish and sturgeon, and to establish a complete regional ban on sturgeon fishing in marine waters. Finally, GEAM members pledged to strengthen the fight against illegal, illegal and unregulated fishing.

The Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, Mr. Maros Šefčović, said: “I welcome the progress made with our Mediterranean regional partners in the sustainable management of our shared stocks. By promoting a zero-tolerance approach to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, as well as the management principles of the Common Fisheries Policy, we ensure a level playing field for all operators in the region.”

GEAM plays a key role in fisheries governance, issuing binding recommendations for fisheries management and aquaculture development in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

GEAM includes the EU, 19 Mediterranean states and three Black Sea states.

Athena Papakosta