Mediterranean countries gathered in Rome have strengthened their commitment to restoring fish stocks that have for years been threatened by intensive fishing. Now fish, too, will have to be protected.
A historic agreement, one that commits the countries bordering the Mediterranean to restoring fish stocks in the Mare Nostrum. A step that (should) mark the end of overfishing and the beginning of real protection for the sea's inhabitants.
The signatory countries, members of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), have signed an agreement to adopt a new operational framework and to make fishing activities sustainable, preserving the biodiversity of marine ecosystems.
The satisfaction of observers and organisations that had long been calling for serious action was clear. Among them Oceana, the international marine conservation organisation: "In 1949, the riparian states of the Mediterranean agreed to manage fish stocks," said Xavier Pastor, Oceana's executive director for Europe. "60 years later, fishing still lacks any management of its own and around 80% of fish stocks are overfished. Today, we can finally say that the GFCM has not remained passive in the face of this alarming picture, and we welcome its strong stance, which we hope will turn the tide for the future of the Mare Nostrum."
The agreement stipulates that fish stocks must be restored and maintained at a level of maximum sustainable yield. In practice, it will no longer be possible to fish indiscriminately, targeting both juvenile and adult specimens.
Plans based on an ecosystem approach to fisheries will have to be adopted, along with what are defined as Fisheries Restricted Areas, to protect essential habitats — juveniles and spawning areas of commercial species — and vulnerable marine ecosystems, whether or not they are included in management plans.
"This is an important and historic step for the GFCM and, it is hoped, for fishing in the Mediterranean as well. The great efforts undertaken by the GFCM secretariat and the contracting parties over the past three years have borne fruit; the challenge has been tough but we are satisfied," said Sergi Tudela, head of the Fisheries Programme at WWF.
European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Maria Damanaki was equally satisfied: "This reform will make the organisation more modern, credible and efficient. An organisation well equipped to restore marine resources."