Cape Town, South Africa, 27-28 November 2017 Building International Partnerships to Enhance Science-Based Ecosystem Approaches in Support of Regional Ocean Governance Cape Town, South Africa, 27-28 November 2017 Science processes within regional fisheries organizations: Example from the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) Mr abdellah srour (GFCM executive Secretary)

The role of the GFCM: Established in 1949 Objective: To ensure the conservation and sustainable use, at the biological, social, economic and environmental level, of living marine resources Ensure the sustainable development of aquaculture Area of application: The Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea Membership: 24 Contracting Parties: 19 Mediterranean states, 3 Black Sea states, EU and Japan 4 Cooperating non-Contracting Parties: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine Key functions: Adopt binding recommendations for fisheries and aquaculture governance Provide technical assistance and level the playing field

Expert groups to produce best-available scientific advice Subregional approach: Thematic approach: Address specific issues of importance to subregions 4 subregional committees (Eastern, Central, Western Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea), to be soon supported by technical units Working groups and ad hoc workshops on thematic issues: Stock assessment, Management strategy evaluation, Eel, MPAs, Red Coral, SSF, VMEs, Data collection, Sharks, etc.

Compliance, assessment, Inter- governmental bodies Scientific research: the foundation for decision-making for fisheries management Scientific research Regional fisheries scientists (from research institutes, universities, national administrations, etc.) produce scientific research and assessments Expert groups Regional experts present research and assessments in expert groups (subregional and thematic) to produce advice SAC/WGBS Scientific Advice National delegates Decision making at the Commission COC Compliance, assessment, MCS Inter- governmental bodies NGOs Proposals by CPCs

Improving & increasing scientific knowledge: challenges encountered Need for improved scientific knowledge: Regional differences in knowledge and expertise on stock status Only 40% of the landings in the GFCM area of application come from stocks for which scientific advice is provided to the Commission

Mid-term strategy MID-TERM FISHERIES STRATEGY (2017-2020) Improve, by 2020, the sustainability of Mediterranean and Black Sea fisheries TARGET 1 Reverse the declining trend of fish stocks through strengthened scientific advice TARGET 2 Support livelihoods through sustainable small-scale fisheries TARGET 3 Curb IUU fishing through a regional plan of action TARGET 4 Mitigate unwanted interactions between fisheries and marine ecosystems TARGET 5 Enhance capacity-building and cooperation Why? Stocks under pressure, need for coordinated regional response What? Comprehensive and strategic actions to revert negative trends Strengthen the foundation for science- based fisheries management through reinforced knowledge Adopted by the Commission in 2016 as Resolution GFCM/40/2016/2

Forum on fisheries science in the Mediterranean and the black sea www Forum on fisheries science in the Mediterranean and the black sea www.fao.org/gfcm/FishForum2018 Stems from Target 1 of the Mid-term strategy, seeking to better incorporate all scientific knowledge A forum to build a lasting network, discuss research trends, integrate scientific knowledge in decision-making and identify research priorities for the coming decade. Interdisciplinary focus, with 3 interrelated themes: BETTER SCIENCE FOR BETTER ADVICE Improving knowledge on stock status Innovative strategies to provide advice The effectiveness of area based management HEALTHY SEAS & SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES Addressing climate change as a priority issue Tackling pressing environmental challenges The interaction between vulnerable species and human activities ECONOMIC ANALYSIS & TECHNOLOGY FOR SOCIETAL BENEFIT Improving knowledge on the social and economic impact of fisheries Mapping value chains Marine technology promoting economic and environmental sustainability of fisheries THEME 1: Better Science for Better Advice Improving knowledge on stock status Work to determine stock dynamics Improvements in stock assessment methodologies Incorporating estimates of discards and IUU fishing Innovative strategies to provide advice Advances in modelling and scenario simulation, including Management Strategy Evaluation Developing precautionary advice for data limited stocks and fisheries The effectiveness of area-based management Parameters for the identification of fisheries restricted areas THEME 2: Healthy Seas & Sustainable Fisheries Addressing climate change as a priority issue Adaptation to climate change in fisheries Tackling pressing environmental challenges Non-indigenous species Marine litter The interaction between vulnerable species and human activities Mitigating by-catch and depredation of marine mammals THEME 3: Economic Analysis & Technology for Societal Benefit Improving knowledge on the social and economic impact of fisheries Incorporating Maximum Economic Yield Economic valuation of recreational fisheries Mapping value chains Valuing the post-harvest sectors Innovations in traceability to counter IUU fishing Marine technology promoting economic and environmental sustainability of fisheries GIS and other tools for marine spatial planning THEMEATIC PANELS: Promoting stakeholder dialogue: Boosting the science-policy-stakeholder interface The human impact on fisheries: Effects on marine living resources and ecosystems The technological future: High-tech advancements in fisheries research, management and fleet modernization (satellite tracking, artificial reefs, fishing devices, etc.) TRANSVERSAL PANEL: Identifying research priorities for the coming decade

Thank you for your attention Building International Partnerships to Enhance Science-Based Ecosystem Approaches in Support of Regional Ocean Governance Cape Town, South Africa, 27-28 November 2017 Thank you for your attention Mr abdellah srour (GFCM executive Secretary)