Oceana has urged the FAO General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) to urgently reverse the alarming trend of stock decline in the region.
During its annual meeting in Morocco this week, Mediterranean and Black Sea representatives will discuss the future of Mediterranean fisheries, which remain completely unmanaged, despite the fact that this Regional Management Organization has been in existence for the last 60 years.
The organisation stresses that the status of Mediterranean demersal fish stocks is critical – 96% of assessed stocks are considered overfished, and the Scientific Advisory Committee of the GFCM has strongly recommended dramatic cuts in fishing pressure, including an overall reduction of 20%.
Among overfished stocks are species of vital importance for coastal livelihoods, such as hake, mullet and shrimp.
Maria José Cornax, fisheries campaign manager for Oceana Europe said: “Major commercial species are disappearing from the region, which is an immediate threat to the future of marine ecosystems and coastal communities in the entire basin. GFCM countries should take a strong stance this week towards sustainable management. When stocks are already in such a poor state, what good could possibly come from doing nothing to manage them?”
Oceana acknowledges, however, that some positive steps have been taken. For example, the European Union has tabled a proposal that would introduce fisheries management measures for sharks and rays.
