Report | April 20, 2020
Measures to avoid fisheries impacts on vulnerable marine ecosystem coral species
The last GFCM Commission (Athens, November 2019) adopted Resolution GFCM/43/2019/6 on the establishment of a set of measures to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems formed by cnidarian (coral) communities in the Mediterranean Sea. It responds to the growing impact of demersal fisheries on threatened coral species, representing a significant risk to their conservation. In parallel, the Resolution also pursues objectives related to:
the implementation of the MoU between GFCM and UNEP-MAP (Barcelona Convention) that aims at closer cooperation among Regional Sea Conventions, including on the mitigation of fisheries impacts on marine habitats and species;
– meeting objectives of the GFCM Text Agreement Art 8.b.iv in relation to the protection of VMEs;
– delivering commitment 37 of the MedFish4Ever Declaration “to establish a proper ecosystem-based fisheries management framework by ensuring adequate protection of vulnerable species and sensitive habitats”.

