The Role of GFCM in Regional Fisheries Management

The GFCM integrates cooperative efforts by 23 countries in seeking to optimize fish harvesting. The attendance at some meetings of subsidiary bodies is low, and few formal stock assessments have resulted, despite useful binding recommendations made, largely on a precautionary basis. The SAC needs to focus on fewer topics and their follow-through. A further priority is on the use of statistical analysis of biomass and effort trends, and defining reference points that measure exploitation rate. Restrictions on trawling to protect spawning stocks in rocky areas (refugia) are suggested.