Title:

Fisheries and Ecosystem-Based Management for the Blue Economy of the Mediterranean (FishEBM Med)

Total Duration:

48 months: 2023-2026

Context:

With anthropogenic impacts steadily increasing their pressure on the Mediterranean stocks, the notion of a production-oriented sector has been challenged by the need for an ecosystem approach to fisheries. It is only through sound ecosystem-based management of Mediterranean fisheries that we could reach sustainable fisheries that benefit everyone.

The project will be implemented through 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

The project aligns with the Post-2020 Strategic Action Programme for the Conservation of Biodiversity and sustainable management of natural resources in the Mediterranean (Post-2020 SAPBIO) and the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean's (GFCM) 2023 strategy.

Project Overall Objective (Impact)

To reverse the over-exploitation of selected commercial living marine resources by enhancing the capacity of Mediterranean countries to manage fisheries, including through the application of ecosystem-based management tools, in their blue economy development pathway.

Activities:

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

Geographical scope and countries involved

Mediterranean Sea riparian countries: Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lebanon, Libya, Montenegro, Morocco, Tunisia, Türkiye

Partners:

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).

Funders:

The FishEBM Med project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF - 7)

Lear more:

For more information on the FishEBM Med Project, please contact:

Atef Ouerghi
Technical Coordination, supervision of the project and NIS Specialist
atef.ouerghi@spa-rac.org

Emna Derouiche
Project Technical Manager
emna.derouiche@spa-rac.org

Aida Abdennadher
Project Programme Specialist
aida.abdennadher@spa-rac.org