Fisheries and Ecosystem-Based Management for the Blue Economy of the Mediterranean (FishEBM Med)
2023-2026 (48 months)
Mediterranean Sea riparian countries: Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lebanon, Libya, Montenegro, Morocco, Tunisia, Türkiye
Background
With anthropogenic impacts steadily increasing pressure on Mediterranean fish stocks, the traditional production-oriented approach to fisheries management is increasingly being challenged. There is a growing recognition that only an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries can ensure sustainability and long-term benefits for ecosystems, coastal communities and the sector as a whole.
Sound ecosystem-based management of Mediterranean fisheries is therefore essential to achieve sustainable fisheries that benefit both nature and people.
The project is aligned with the Post-2020 Strategic Action Programme for the Conservation of Biodiversity and the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in the Mediterranean (Post-2020 SAPBIO), as well as with the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) 2023 Strategy.
Objectives
To reverse the over-exploitation of selected commercial living marine resources by strengthening the capacity of Mediterranean countries to manage fisheries sustainably, including through the application of ecosystem-based management tools within their blue economy development pathways.
Activities
The project’s activities are structured around the following five components:
- Component 1 – Strengthened capacity to manage commercial fisheries, with particular focus on SSF (Small Scale Fisheries)
- Component 2 – Enhanced integration of emerging monitoring, control and surveillance technologies in the fight against IUU (Illegal Unreported and Unregulated) fishing
- Component 3 – Integrated ecosystem-based management tools and ecosystem approach to biodiversity protection and sustainable fisheries
- Component 4 – Innovative blue economy solutions accounting for the fishery sector
- Component 5 – Knowledge management and outscaling
SPA/RAC main activities within this project will focus on :
- Implementing ecosystem-based management tools for sustainable fisheries and biodiversity protection, including monitoring environmental status, identifying the impact of fisheries, and adapting to climate change
- Developing innovative blue economy solutions for the fishery sector, including data collection and identifying priorities, and implementing partnerships through the National Action Plan development process (NAP+)
- Sharing knowledge and best practices, fostering collaboration and learning, as emphasized in SAPBIO and GFCM strategies to promote regional cooperation and capacity building
Partners and funding
The project is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) through their respective Executing Agencies, the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) and Mediterranean Action Plan- Specially Protected Areas/Regional Activity Centre (SPA/RAC).
The FishEBM Med project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF – 7).
Project team
- Atef Ouerghi – Technical Coordination, supervision of the project and NIS Specialist
- Emna Derouiche – Project Technical Manager
- Syrine Moslah – Programme Specialist
- Tarek Lachheb – Administrative & Finance Officer
