SPA/RAC is launching a call for consultation in order to elaborate detailed guidelines for effective management measures of dark habitats, under the framework of the Action Plan for the conservation of habitats and species associated with seamounts, underwater caves and canyons, aphotic hard beds and chemo-synthetic phenomena in the Mediterranean Sea.
The guidelines aim to:
- Translate existing scientific knowledge into concrete, practical, and regionally applicable management actions.
- Ensure coherence with relevant GFCM frameworks (notably for Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs) and Fishery Restricted Areas (FRAs)).
- Support Barcelona Convention Contracting Parties in their efforts to identify, reduce, and mitigate the predominant pressures and threats to dark habitats.
- Provide a comprehensive framework to facilitate adaptive management, effective monitoring, compliance enforcement, and cross-sectoral cooperation.
Interested consultants are invited to refer to the Terms of Reference for details on participation requirements, evaluation procedures, and other relevant information. Questions for clarification may be submitted by e-mail to procurement@spa-rac.org no later than five (5) calendar days before the submission deadline.