The GFCM -ATSELMED workshops: A multidisciplinary approach for the improvement of the selectivity of the bottom trawling in Mediterranean sea

Atelier «L exploitation durable des ressources halieutiques (gestion écosystémique,, système d information, transfert et valorisation des connaissances)» The GFCM -ATSELMED workshops: A multidisciplinary approach for the improvement of the selectivity of the bottom trawling in Mediterranean sea FAO REGIONAL PROJECTS: THE COPEMED PROJECT Juan A CAMIÑAS, IEO Centro Oceanográfico de Málaga EASTMED PROJECT COMPONENTS AND EXPECTED OUTCOMES: Dr. CONSTANTINA KARLOU-RIGA, Hellenic Ministry of Rural Development & Food General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean - FAO Colloque Euro-Méditerranée 20-21/11/2007 08/02/2008 1

Colloque Euro Méditerranée/ Euro-Mediterranean Symposium 20 21 Novembre 2007/ November 20-21, 2007 Toulon The GFCM - ATSELMED workshops Sète 9-11 February 2005 and Barcelona 2-4 April 2007 A multidisciplinary approach for the improvement of the selectivity of the bottom trawling in Mediterranean sea

Constat on Mediterranean bottom trawling (from Bahamon) Low level of production. Large specific diversity Small size of many marketed species (e.g. cephalopods and crustaceans) Important contribution of accessory species to the catch value Implying the use of gears with reduced selectivity, with as a consequence: fishing mortality of juveniles of commercial species discards of unmarketable species and benthos discard of marketable species according to market demand (from Farrugio)

Various types of bottom trawls Croatian trawl ( from Soldo,) Traditional 2 faces Mediterranean trawl 4 faces trawl with small or large lateral faces 4 faces trawl with large meshes or rope in the square Twin trawls and fixed opening trawls (gangui, rapido,) Juge France (Ifremer)

Various codend designs Mesh size (mm) Approx. Material PE panel length (m) 5 5 5 5 110 twisted 4.9 50 50 50 50 110 twisted 11.0 66 66 50 50 Conical or cylindrical shape 46 twisted 46 twisted 46 twisted 4.6 4.6 9.2 100 200 200 700 600 100 200 200 50 50 100 100 200 200 600 Mesh size from 28 to 46 mm stretched 46 kn otl ess braided 46 kn otl ess 9.2 9.2 400 200 400 200 With or without extension piece braided 200 200 Turkish bottom trawl (from Tosunoglu) PA or PE material Twisted or braided twines Knotted or knotless net Different types of closure«zip», «codline» (from Chilari)

Atselmed 1 (Sète 9 11 February, 2005) Standardization of selectivity methods applied to trawling in Mediterranean sea to strengthen the current knowledge on bottom trawl selectivity in Mediterranean sea to define the most appropriated and reliable methodologies and experimental protocols for the different Mediterranean fisheries.

Atselmed 2 (Barcelona, 2 4 april 2007) On the gradual implementation of full square mesh codend Review of main Mediterranean trawling metiers with a particular attention to the gear characteristics and their national selectivity regulations Review of application of square mesh panel or codend to European fisheries; difficulties, benefits for the fishing industries Presentation on recent studies on square mesh codend selectivity in Mediterranean sea and their application to the fisheries Review on square mesh selectivity and on different process to build and fix square mesh panels or codend to a bottom trawl Consequences of the application of 40 mm square mesh to Mediterranean bottom trawl

Main outcomes 57 attendees for the 2 meeting from 8 Member States of the GFCM, and experts from Denmark, Finland, Argentina and Colombia GFCM/Atselmed 1 report is published in FAO Fisheries Report n 820 GFCM/Atselmed 2 report is in progress The 27 presentations of the 2 meetings will be available on GFCM website:http\\:www.gfcm.org

Experimentations on various item Full square mesh codend study (from Piccinetti et al.,) Diamond mesh codend Square mesh codend Square mesh panel Sorting grids Square mesh and grid Twine material Knotless net Survival after escapement Twine dimension Sorting grid (from Adamidou et al.) Square mesh panel (Belcari et al.)

Methods of observation & selectivity sampling Underwater video research observation (from Sonin) Selectivity sampling methods Double codend Cover codend Alternated hauls Retention codend for grid Cover codend method (from Sala)

NECESSITY: Further actions required Methods of analysis and modelling Ecological model Selectivity Fryer Select model Ecosystem Multi-variate analysis, Ecological modelling Bio-economic analysis and simulation Mefisto model From Coll et al., 2006. J. Mar. Syst. 59: 63-96

Main conclusions of Atselmed meetings The implementation of 40 mm square mesh cod-end is going to have generally positive effects for the majority of the studied species. From a biological point of view, the WS stressed that the 40 mm square mesh cod-end should be implemented as soon as possible. This measure is considered not sufficient to recover highly exploited species and ecosystem. Additional measures will also be required. The available information on the effect of application of 40 mm square mesh cod-end does not cover the whole Mediterranean. The WS encouraged the development of selectivity studies in more GFCM GSAs.

The GFCM-TECHNOMED network To promote the establishment of a network of Mediterranean fishing gear technologists, including fishing industry. (30th GFCM meeting, Istanbul, 24 27 January 2006,) Objectives and tasks to assist SAC in its recommendations on fisheries management dealing with fishing technology aspects To favour the cooperation between Mediterranean scientists involved in fishing technology studies To assure a permanent watch on fishing technology issues in Mediterranean sea Fields selectivity, environmental impact of fishing gear, effects on fishing effort and capacity, fuel saving, security Organisation transversal working group of GFCM to day 66 Mediterranean scientists from 10 countries have replied positively to the invitation to participate to this network To assist SAC of GFCM

Actions to be undertaken Development of selectivity studies in more Mediterranean GSA using a multi disciplinary approach, taking into account technological, biological, ecosystem and socio-economic aspects integrating the participation of experts from fishing industry for the implementation of square mesh codend Standardization of the terminology of Mediterranean fishing gears: glossary and catalogue are needed. Researches on: Effect of selectivity on discards, survival of escapees, fishery economy Effect of technology on fishing effort and fuel consumption Technical solutions to mitigate fishing impact on environment website:http\\:www.gfcm.org

La pêche dans le golfe du Lion : chalutier de retour de la pêche Thank you for your attention photo H.Farrugio

Diamond and square mesh codend A B Traditional diamond mesh codend (A) and Square mesh codend (B).

FAO REGIONAL PROJECTS: THE COPEMED PROJECT Juan A CAMIÑAS INSTITUTO ESPAÑOL DE OCEANOGRAFIA Centro Oceanográfico de Málaga Colloque EURO-MEDITERRANEE. Toulon (France) 20-22 nov. 2007 Atelier 3: Exploitation durable des ressources halieutiques. Session 3.

COPEMED Project (Advice, Technical Support and Establishment of Cooperation Networks to Facilitate Coordination to Support Fisheries Management in the Western and Central Mediterranean) was born in 1996 to strengthen scientific collaboration among Western and Central Mediterranean countries involved in the management of fisheries in this area. Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Malta, Italy, France and Spain have adhered to the project. Colloque EURO-MEDITERRANEE. Toulon (France) 20-22 nov. 2007 Atelier 3: Exploitation durable des ressources halieutiques. Session 3.

Project Region Colloque EURO-MEDITERRANEE. Toulon (France) 20-22 nov. 2007 Atelier 3: Exploitation durable des ressources halieutiques. Session 3.

The main objective of the project was to widen scientific knowledge and regional cooperation for the sustainable management of the Mediterranean fisheries. It was financed by Spain through the AECI (Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional). With an initial duration of 5 years, the project was extended 4 more years up to May 2005. Colloque EURO-MEDITERRANEE. Toulon (France) 20-22 nov. 2007 Atelier 3: Exploitation durable des ressources halieutiques. Session 3.

Within the frame of international cooperation, COPEMED: reinforced the capacities of the Southern riparian countries, favours collaboration between the participating states supports their contribution to the scientific activities recommended by the regional fisheries management bodies (GFCM and ICCAT). GFCM is the General Fisheries Commission of the Mediterranean. ICCAT is the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas. Colloque EURO-MEDITERRANEE. Toulon (France) 20-22 nov. 2007 Atelier 3: Exploitation durable des ressources halieutiques. Session 3.

Target beneficiaries The main beneficiaries of the project are: the national fisheries research institutions, the fishery administrations, policy makers and managers in the western Mediterranean countries. In a large extent the modern GFCM and ICCAT have been also beneficiaries of the project activities and scientific learning. Colloque EURO-MEDITERRANEE. Toulon (France) 20-22 nov. 2007 Atelier 3: Exploitation durable des ressources halieutiques. Session 3.

Achievements The project generated a common scientific strength in the western Mediterranean facilitating the north-south, and south-south participative approach in the preparation of the activities, their implementation and the evaluation of results. The project has developed in the sub-region a true scientific collaboration. This approach has stimulated the development of other projects of similar characteristics in the area that were born afterwards and that today continue the collaborative scientific activities in the Mediterranean. Colloque EURO-MEDITERRANEE. Toulon (France) 20-22 nov. 2007 Atelier 3: Exploitation durable des ressources halieutiques. Session 3.

The main achievements include: Set up of a series of research programs on: artisanal fisheries, socio-economic indicators, sampling schemes etc. Implementation of an Information System that enables a more active information flow in the area. It includes a series of compatible regional databases (research capabilities, large pelagic fisheries, artisanal fisheries inventory), and specific WEB site. The Project also supported the publication of scientific results, synthesis, etc, on various Medias (books, CD-ROMS, posters). Colloque EURO-MEDITERRANEE. Toulon (France) 20-22 nov. 2007 Atelier 3: Exploitation durable des ressources halieutiques. Session 3.

Increase of National building capacity of Southern riparian countries through the upgrading and standardization of National fisheries statistical Systems. Achievement of comparative analysis of specific countries fishery regulations, in order to further explore possibilities for its eventual harmonization under GFCM umbrella. A Virtual Library was build with the purpose of to favour a wide dissemination of scientific papers which have not been published (grey literature) and other documents related to the Fisheries management and Marine environment in the Mediterranean Sea. Colloque EURO-MEDITERRANEE. Toulon (France) 20-22 nov. 2007 Atelier 3: Exploitation durable des ressources halieutiques. Session 3.

Consolidation of the work done through the implementation of COPEMED national subprojects with a gradually increasing budgetary contribution from the developing countries in order to ensure their future sustainability. Establishing direct contacts between the interested parties in fisheries management (Administration, Industry and Research) by launching joint dialogue Fora. The project has made possible the reinforcement of the participation of the fishing administrations of the south countries in international fora, as well as in the activities of the GFCM and ICCAT. Colloque EURO-MEDITERRANEE. Toulon (France) 20-22 nov. 2007 Atelier 3: Exploitation durable des ressources halieutiques. Session 3.

COPEMED Phase II The second phase of the COPEMED Project for the Coordination in support the fisheries management in the western and central Mediterranean has been approved and founded for two new donors, the Spanish Secretaría General de Pesca and the DG Fisheries of the European Commission for a minimum period of 3 years. Colloque EURO-MEDITERRANEE. Toulon (France) 20-22 nov. 2007 Atelier 3: Exploitation durable des ressources halieutiques. Session 3.

Perspectives and problems to deal with To reinforce some of the previously identified progress as, for example, the scientific cooperation at sub regional level, in order to improve de decision making process. To promote technical support to the south counties facilitating a most active role during the GFCM meeting and related activities. The fishing overcapacity is a real problem. It is required to prepare management measures to stop the fishing capacity increase. Colloque EURO-MEDITERRANEE. Toulon (France) 20-22 nov. 2007 Atelier 3: Exploitation durable des ressources halieutiques. Session 3.

To reinforce the collaboration between the neighbouring countries in the scientific and management activities related to the artisanal fisheries. The statistics, biological and socioeconomic fisheries data and information is not totally available. Standardisation and accessibility of the information for regional development policy. The legal framework and the control and surveillance of the fishing activity are in general fragile. Even more the participation of stakeholders is scarce or inexistent. Colloque EURO-MEDITERRANEE. Toulon (France) 20-22 nov. 2007 Atelier 3: Exploitation durable des ressources halieutiques. Session 3.

Project ArtFiMed Furthermore COPEMED will be the framework for ArtFiMed, a new 3 years project founded by the Spanish International Cooperation Agency (AECI) targeting the reduction of the poverty and the improvement of the life and work conditions in two artisanal sites selected, one in Morocco and the other in Tunisia. Colloque EURO-MEDITERRANEE. Toulon (France) 20-22 nov. 2007 Atelier 3: Exploitation durable des ressources halieutiques. Session 3.

ArtFiMed Objectives The long term objective of this the Project is the sustainable fisheries management, considering biological, economic, social, environmental and institutional aspects. The immediate objectives are: to improve the quality of the fisheries statistics, including bioeconomic data; to reinforce the national and international institutional framework for this artisanal fisheries management by improving the fisheries research and management capabilities and the training of the fishermen at all levels. Colloque EURO-MEDITERRANEE. Toulon (France) 20-22 nov. 2007 Atelier 3: Exploitation durable des ressources halieutiques. Session 3.

EASTMED PROJECT COMPONENTS AND EXPECTED OUTCOMES Dr. CONSTANTINA KARLOU-RIGA Hellenic Ministry of Rural Development & Food Fisheries Laboratory

INTRODUCTION 1/4 Over the past years Deterioration of the ecosystem Impoverishment of the fishery Activate the scientific community Encourage National authorities to cooperate for a shared and sustainable development in the eastern Mediterranean

INTRODUCTION 2/4 Fishery management in the Mediterranean GFCM SAC Sub-regional projects COPEMED: Western Mediterranean (COPEMED II) ADRIAMED: Central Mediterranean MEDSUDMED: Central-South Mediterranean Regional project: MEDFISIS

INTRODUCTION 3/4 Eastern Mediterranean has been sidelined Countries unable to participate in GFCM meetings Fisheries departments and fisheries research institutes often under-supported Gaps in information Not nationally monitoring State of the stocks Fisheries Not coordinated management Ecosystems

INTRODUCTION 28 th GFCM Session (Oct, 2003) Ministerial Conference (Nov, 2003) December 2003 4/4 EC announced Eastmed support GREECE expressed co-financial ITALY expressed interest to financially support the project 2004 ITALY supported the formulation and preparatory phase, which was completed in 2006 29 th GFCM Session (Feb 2005) The formulation of the project was announced Greece announced co-funding Greece offered hosting the project

PROJECT RATIONALE AND CONCEPT Sector problems Scarcity of knowledge Data collection differs among countries (coverage, nature, quality) Statistics on catch and effort, fleet characteristics and socioeconomic data are weak or non-existent Not integrated and participative form in fisheries management Fisheries institutional framework is weak (legal framework, monitoring, control, surveillance) Not well trained staff in Fisheries Departments Lack of international cooperation No established network of fisheries scientists

PROJECT APPROΑCH AND STRATEGIC CONTEXT The project will: Work with the Fisheries Departments Establish a Coordination Committee Function through the national Fisheries Directors Contact with the Fisheries Departments through the National Focal Points Establish Country Participatory Working Groups (CPWGs) Operate data collection programmes on statistics and information, on Stock Assessment, on Marine Environment and Ecosystems, on Economics and Social Sciences Main objective Support national fisheries management authorities and scientific community

EASTMED Scientific and Institutional Cooperation to Support Responsible Fisheries in the Eastern Mediterranean Budget : 2 450 000 Donors: Greece, Italy, EC Headquarters: Athens, Greece Duration: 5 years Covered area: GSAs 19-20 and 22-28 (Ionian Sea, Aegean Sea, Straits of Dardanelles, Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus and Levantine Basin)

Component 1: Institutional Strengthening It will be ensured: Fisheries Departments of the Eastern Mediterranean countries have the institutional structure, financial capacity and technical competences to collect fishery statistics, perform fisheries assessments and characterise marine ecosystems. An institutional consultant will be recruited analyse institutional framework and identify weaknesses and gaps

Component 2: Staff Training and Development The capabilities of national administration staff will be developed On job training National and subregional Workshops Training will be: Consultants will be used Scientists and managers Field staff and technicians

Component 3: Data Collection and Analyses Fishery data collection Fishery and stocks assessment data analysis Characteristics and components of marine ecosystems Fleet characteristics Catch, effort, biology Economic data Stock assessment methods Preparation of management strategies and options Identify pelagic and demersal essential fish habitats Bio-ecology and population dynamics (Lessepsian species) Consultants will be hired Trawl surveys: options for co-financing or for additional funds will be investigated

Component 4: Increased Participation and Cooperation The project will: Establish and support Country Participatory Working Groups (CPWGs) in each country Support the countries and encourages the scientists Promote sub-regional cooperation and collaboration Active participation of all stakeholders To actively take part in meetings of GFCM, SAC and subsidiary bodies Fishery research and management A degree of regional cooperation among participating countries and with the GFCM will be developed by the project

Projects inputs Inputs by the recipient governments Greece (MRDF) Participating countries Donors Inputs through FAO Professional staff (PC, FE) Headquarters and facilities Services in kind administrative support staff consultants travel Associate professional officer (conditional under additional funds), training equipment Technical support services General operating expenses Project servicing costs

Partnership Arrangements The project will: liaise favour synergies share findings develop linkages liaise GFCM COPEMED, ADRIAMED, MEDSUDMED MEDFISIS EU MEDITS CIESM, ICCAT and other international bodies

PROJECT BENEFITS (by the end of the project) National Fisheries Departments will be aware of the institutional and technical requirements have vessel register have catch and effort collection programmes have undertaken socioeconomic surveys be aware of the marine ecosystems The fisheries staff will be: Capable in assessment methods and management plans The nations will: can cooperate among themselves and with the GFCM be capable to monitor their fisheries and develop national management plans strengthen their countries position in regional negotiations

Muchas gracias por su atención Colloque EURO-MEDITERRANEE. Toulon (France) 20-22 nov. 2007 Atelier 3: Exploitation durable des ressources halieutiques. Session 3.

Muchas gracias por su atención Colloque EURO-MEDITERRANEE. Toulon (France) 20-22 nov. 2007 Atelier 3: Exploitation durable des ressources halieutiques. Session 3.

General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean www.gfcm.org

The Agreement and Membership The GFCM Agreement, was approved by the FAO Conference in 1949, under the provisions of Article XIV of the FAO constitution, and entered into force in 1952. (Amendments in 1963, 1976 and 1997) The amendments related to the obligation of Contracting Parties to contribute to an autonomous budget for the functioning of the Commission came into force on 29 April 2004. Membership is open to Members of the United Nations, especially coastal States, States whose vessels engage in fishing in the Convention Area as well as to Regional Economic Integration Organizations. The GFCM is currently made up of 23 Members: 21 Mediterranean coastal States countries (one vote each), 1 non-mediterranean State (one vote) and the European Community (can exercise votes of its Members on their behalf).

Objectives and Functions The GFCM s objectives are to promote the following, in the Mediterranean, Black Sea and connecting waters: development, conservation, rational management of living marine resources best utilization of living marine resources sustainable development of aquaculture The principal functions of the GFCM are: to coordinate efforts by governments to effectively manage fisheries at regional level following the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries to adopt binding recommendations for fisheries conservation and management in its Convention Area to play a key role in fisheries governance in the Region cooperate with other RFMOs and other International Organisations in matters of mutual interest

Structure and Functioning The Commission holds its Regular Session on an annual basis, it implements its policy and activities through the Secretariat, based at its headquarters in Rome, Italy, and operates during the intersessional period by means of the following committees: the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) Provides independent advice on the conservation and management of fisheries, considering biological, ecological, economic and social aspects. the Committee on Aquaculture (CAQ) Monitors trends, promotes sustainable development and responsible management of marine and brackish water Aquaculture and provides related independent advice on technical, socio-economic, legal and environmental grounds. the Compliance Committee (CoC) Reviews the compliance with conservation, management, monitoring, control, surveillance and enforcement measures adopted by the Commission, oversees the development and implementation of the GFCM Control and Inspection scheme and reviews issues such as IUU fishing in the Convention Area. subsidiary committees of SAC, CAQ and CoC other temporary, special or standing committees and working parties

Projects ¾The GFCM enjoys the support of cooperative projects at sub-regional and regional level which enhance, in particular, scientific cooperation and capacity building in participating countries in line with GFCM priorities and strategies. ¾The following projects have been formulated and operated following the sub-regional implementation strategy assumed by the Commission: Eastmed(?) AquaMart

Affiliations and Partners GFCM is a partner of the FAO Fishery Resources Monitoring System GFCM is a member of the FAO Coordinating Working Party on Fishery Statistics GFCM has 14 partner Organisations, which include NGOs, other RFMOs, Federations, International Institutes, Agreements, International Scientific Bodies and Regional Centres.

Conservation and Management Strategy The GFCM s fisheries conservation and management strategy focuses on a fishing effort control regime by Operational Units, defined as groups of fishing vessels practicing the same type of fishing operation, targeting the same species or group of species and having a similar economic structure. The GFCM implements this strategy through drawing up binding measures related to the regulation of: fishing methods fishing gear minimum landing sizes fishing seasons fishing areas catch and fishing effort The GFCM fosters the responsible management of marine and brackish water aquaculture through the adaptation of international common standards, norms and guidelines.

Geographical Sub-Areas The GFCM endeavours to compile data, monitor fisheries and assess fisheries resources in a geo-referenced manner, through the use of 30 established Geographical Sub-Areas (GSAs)

Data and Information framework Authorised Vessel List (Recommendation GFCM/2005/2) Annual reporting of data on fishing vessels larger than 15 meters in length overall authorized to fish in the GFCM Area. An electronic record is maintained by the GFCM Secretariat. Capture and aquaculture production (FAO FISHSTAT framework) Aquaculture Information System and Network Task 1 Operational Units data collection framework (Recommendation GFCM31/2007/1) -Fleet data - Fishing activity data - Catch and effort data - Socio-economic data - Biological data Other information systems Scientific data generated by sub-regional projects and other regional initiatives.

Assessment of Resources GFCM s priority is to assess stocks of living marine resources which are exploited by more than one of its Members, in one or more GSAs. 38 shared stocks have so far been identified. The GFCM holds a database on data related to stock assessments through the compilation of standard forms by the respective scientists from the region. The results of stock assessments are used in drawing up integrated management advice with conservation, economic and social considerations.

Resolutions and Recommendations Recent GFCM Resolutions and Recommendations include those on: the management of certain fisheries exploiting demersal and deepwater pelagic species the establishment of a GFCM record of vessels over 15 metres authorized to operate in the GFCM area the establishment of a closed season for the dolphinfish fisheries using fishing aggregation devices (FADs) the establishment of fisheries restrictive areas in order to protect the deep sea sensitive habitats the establishment of a list of vessels presumed to have carried out IUU fishing activities in the GFCM area the implementation of GFCM Task 1 Statistical Matrix the establishment of Geographical Sub-Areas in the GFCM Area the use of the 40 mm square mesh size in codend of trawl nets exploiting demersal resources the mesh size of trawl nets exploiting demersal resources the Pelagos Sanctuary for the Conservation of Marine Mammals selected ICCAT Recommendations