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Initiative
Ending Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing
Increasing fisheries transparency and improving monitoring, control, and surveillance across the Mediterranean basin.
The Issue
Improving Transparency in Mediterranean Fisheries
The Med Sea Alliance is dedicated to promoting transparency in fishing practices and ensuring the effective enforcement of policies designed to combat illegal fishing. In 2023, progress was made when the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) introduced new rules aimed at addressing ongoing violations. These rules allow action to be taken when countries fail to comply with fishing regulations.
However, these improvements are not enough to fully protect the Mediterranean’s ecosystems and fish stocks. Through 2025, the Med Sea Alliance will continue working with the European Commission, GFCM, and key countries, including those outside the EU, to push for better enforcement of existing rules and more transparency in the fishing industry.
1/5
One in every five wild-caught fish globally comes from illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing
$23 billion
annual cost of IUU fishing globally
58%
of the commercial stocks, assessed in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea in 2021, were found to be outside biologically sustainable limits
The Plan
Our key priorities include:
- Encouraging countries to improve the monitoring and control of fishing fleets by implementing systems like Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), launching pilot projects for electronic tracking, and ensuring that all eligible vessels are registered with an International Maritime Organization (IMO) number.
- Strengthening the GFCM’s ability to act when countries fail to comply with regulations, ensuring that corrective measures are applied when necessary.
- Pushing for the GFCM to make more information publicly available, such as details on fishing violations and increased transparency regarding the vessels allowed to fish in the Mediterranean, including the real owners of these vessels.
By focusing on these actions, we aim to create a stronger system for protecting the Mediterranean’s marine life and ensuring that fishing practices are both sustainable and responsible.
REPORTS
Achievements
GFCM adopts compliance mechanism
The Goal
Establishing a Compliance Mechanism
The GFCM must prioritize the implementation of compliance tables by 2025—the final piece of the puzzle to create a functioning compliance mechanism that ensures sustainable fisheries across the Mediterranean. Strong compliance measures are essential for safeguarding our marine ecosystems for future generations.
Mandatory IMO Numbers for Eligible Vessels
It is time to ensure that each vessel has a unique identification number. The GFCM should mandate that all vessels over 15 meters be assigned IMO numbers, aligning the GFCM with global standards.
Strengthening Transparency in Vessel Ownership
Transparency regarding a vessel’s true owner is crucial. By providing vessel ownership data, we enable clearer governance and promote responsible fishing practices across the Mediterranean. Enhancing the GFCM vessel list with clear ownership information will empower stronger compliance and improve fisheries management.
Creating a Working Group for At-Sea Monitoring
To ensure sustainability, the GFCM should establish a working group focused on monitoring tools, including electronic systems and human observers. Better data collection leads to better management of our fisheries. Innovative at-sea monitoring tools can greatly improve how we protect our waters— let’s put them into practice!
Get Involved Now
The Mediterranean Sea, a vital hub of marine biodiversity, is facing an unprecedented threat from illegal fishing practices