MedFish4Ever scales up fisheries, aquaculture commitments

Hosted by the Government of Malta and organised by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) together with the European Union, the MedFish4Ever event brought together officials, fishers, fish farmers, scientists, managers, civil society organisations and other experts to survey the state of the vital fisheries and aquaculture sector and agree on new actions. Senior government officials from 20 countries were in attendance.

The programme focused on the progress made and the need for new solutions to address the challenges that have emerged since the signing of the 2017 MedFish4Ever Ministerial Declaration. This landmark regional agreement between Mediterranean countries set a 10-year vision towards the sustainability and welfare of the fisheries and aquaculture sector, as well as the conservation of Mediterranean precious marine ecosystems and the services they provide.

In his address to representatives, GFCM Chair Roland Kristo emphasised the need for ongoing engagement from all parties.

“The MedFish4Ever Declaration laid the foundation for progress, but it is imperative that signatories and stakeholders continue to work together. The future success of this sector hinges on our collective dedication and vision for a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future,” he said.

According to GFCM, the conference heard there has been considerable progress made over the last six years in both capture fisheries and aquaculture, the latter boosted in particular by the introduction of national strategies and the launch of Aquaculture Demonstration Centres.

In fisheries, enhanced collaboration between countries has led to a regional governance whereby key fisheries are effectively managed, including thanks to an increasing culture of compliance.

Attendees at the conference reflected on how science-based management plans have transformed the sustainability of some key commercial stocks, how monitoring, surveillance and enforcement practices have been strengthened, and how these advances have reverted previously negative trends in overfishing, GFCM said.

Increasing efforts to protect vulnerable species and ecosystems and those underway to redress the age and gender imbalances that hamper current workforces were also discussed.

“Together we should ensure the protection of Mediterranean ecosystems, secure their services and the livelihoods they sustain for coastal communities and future generations, including thanks to the fisheries and aquaculture sector, and address any illegal activities in the sector, reinforcing the culture of compliance,” Charlina Vitcheva, Director General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the European Commission said.

Discussions also focused on how to ensure that all goals of the declaration are fully met and how to best prepare for the future.

Mediterranean fisheries and aquaculture are worth around US$ 8 billion to the regional economy each year, providing employment for some 700,000 people along the value chain and contributing to the food security and nutrition of millions. However, GFCM has recognised that these sector faces a myriad of growing challenges, including overfishing, habitat degradation, chemical and plastic pollution, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities, and the existential threat of climate change.

Capture fisheries are declining in productivity, and regional aquaculture production is not yet close to reaching its full potential, it said.

“While we acknowledge that the challenges before us are substantial, we must also recognise the ample opportunities for transformative change within our grasp,” said Anton Refalo, Malta’s Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights. “The MedFish4Ever Declaration stands as a cornerstone of our collective efforts and joint commitment towards more sustainable fisheries.”