Report | October 30, 2025
NGO priorities for the 2025 General Fisheries Commission of the Mediterranean, to increase transparency and effectively tackle non-compliance cases and IUU fishing in the Mediterranean
PRIORITIES FOR THE GFCM COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE IN 2025
In 2023, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/46/2023/22, a compliance mechanism, that allows GFCM members to take action against non-compliance with GFCM rules. This compliance mechanism is entering into force at the 18th Compliance Committee this November. We call on the GFCM CPCs to, once completed the compliance tables, take appropriate measures for non compliance falling in category A with deterrent sanctions, including all follow up measures for restrictions. This is a prerequisite for ensuring the survival of the Mediterranean’s unique biodiversity and the communities that rely on marine resources. 2025 is also the year to kick-start discussions on a new declaration following the 2017 Medfish4ever declaration.
Ahead of the 18th CoC meeting in November, AZIR, ClientEarth, Global Fishing Watch, Environmental Justice Foundation, Oceana, The Natural Conservancy, The Pew Charitable Trust and WWF, who work together to protect the Mediterranean Sea against the impacts of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing – wish to share with you our priorities. We urge the GFCM to adopt ambitious measures to combat IUU fishing, including the full implementation and enforcement of GFCM recommendations. Strong compliance is essential to rebuild fish stocks in the Mediterranean and Black Seas to sustainable levels, as 58% of Mediterranean fish populations remain overfished. Thus, we call the GFCM Contracting Parties (CPCs)
