As officials from Mediterranean countries gather for the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) annual session in Croatia, an important discussion is underway. NGOs are strongly advocating for the adoption of corrective measures that empower the GFCM to crack down on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and non-compliance cases in the region. Supported by a recent legal analysis, it is evident that the GFCM has the authority to implement such measures.
The Need for a Compliance Mechanism:
Currently, the GFCM lacks the ability to respond when countries repeatedly disregard fishing regulations related to fleet control and proper reporting of activities. To rectify this issue, the proposed compliance mechanism would enable the GFCM to take disciplinary actions against non-compliant countries. Organizations like the Med Sea Alliance (MSA) stress the significance of establishing such a mechanism to safeguard the Mediterranean’s precious biodiversity, promote fish stock recovery, and support the coastal communities dependent on marine resources.
Protecting the Mediterranean’s Biodiversity:
The Mediterranean Sea, home to diverse ecosystems and countless fishermen, continues to face persistent challenges. Although fishing rules and regulations are established through consensus, their implementation and enforcement often fall short. The lack of a compliance mechanism exacerbates this issue, permitting destructive practices like bottom trawling that harm vital habitats such as seagrass (Posidonia oceanica). This enforcement gap poses a grave danger to shared natural resources and the livelihoods of fishermen.
Legal Analysis by Renowned Experts:
A comprehensive legal analysis conducted by Professor Tullio Scovazzi and Professor Simone Vezzani confirms the GFCM’s competence to impose corrective measures in cases of non-compliance. Retired former professor Scovazzi and Professor Vezzani, distinguished experts in international and European law, were commissioned by the Med Sea Alliance to address concerns about the compatibility of such a system with international law. Their analysis conclusively asserts that the absence of a compliance mechanism is primarily a political question, rather than a legal hindrance.
The Potential for Meaningful Change:
The legal analysis demonstrates that GFCM’s effectiveness in dealing with non-compliant states hinges solely on political will. The GFCM members now have an extraordinary opportunity to bring about significant change. By establishing a robust enforcement system, they can protect marine ecosystems, promote sustainable fishing practices, and secure the livelihoods of those whose existence depends on these resources. This week’s discussions at the GFCM annual session are crucial in seizing this opportunity for the Mediterranean’s preservation and revitalization.
Urgent Call to Action:
In a Call to Action released during the GFCM High-level conference on MedFish4Ever initiatives, member organizations of the Med Sea Alliance call upon GFCM members to establish a compliance mechanism. Additionally, they urge the expansion of vessel tracking measures, such as AIS, and emphasize the enforcement and compliance with trawl bans to bolster fish stock recovery and protect sensitive habitats.
The adoption of corrective measures to overcome non-compliance and combat IUU fishing in the Mediterranean region is a pressing and vital issue. With the GFCM’s authority rooted in international law and supported by an extensive legal analysis, the establishment of a compliance mechanism is an achievable objective. By acting decisively, GFCM members can demonstrate their commitment to protecting the Mediterranean’s rich biodiversity, supporting sustainable fishing practices, and securing the future of coastal communities. It is crucial not to squander this opportunity to preserve this precious resource for generations to come.
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