NGOs today commended the decision by Mediterranean states to create a sanction system that will empower the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) to take action against countries which continue overfishing or illegal fishing, calling it “a crucial step towards building a culture of compliance, which is essential to start rebuilding Mediterranean fish populations,” the Med Sea Alliance reports.

The binding recommendation adopted by the GFCM during this week’s meeting in Croatia (GFCM 46) will finally allow the organisation to act against member states who fail to adhere to its conservation measures, using a system that will go into force in 2025.

Together, the 22 GFCM member states (plus the EU) can now take action if a member fails to stop its trawl fleet from fishing in no-trawl areas, or if a member does not respect GFCM rules on fishing gear or catch restrictions.

Measures that can be taken by GFCM will include, for example, a restriction of fishing authorisations or a reduction of the allowed fishing days at sea.

However, the NGOs say that it is crucial that the system is completed with further available sanctions, in order to also tackle a failure to provide the required data or to conduct port controls.

Ahead of the meeting, NGOs urged the adoption of a system of sanctions that would allow the GFCM to tackle illegal fishing and cases of non-compliance within its region – a call backed by a legal analysis published this week that shows that GFCM has the competency to impose such measures.

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On the afternoon of October 3rd, during an official MedFish4Ever side event, several Med Sea Alliance members presented the findings of the Med Sea Alliance Atlas, an investigation into illegal trawling, and the call to action.

Low Impact Fishers of Europe (LIFE) presented its position on ensuring strong fisheries control and support for local communities. Alexandra Cousteau, explorer and ocean activist, made a short speech.

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