The Mediterranean Sanctions System for Illegal and Overfishing Moves Forward
The latest decision by Mediterranean nations establishes a binding framework to take action against countries that persist in illegal fishing and overfishing. Conservation groups welcomed the move, calling it a crucial step toward building an enforcement culture that can drive the recovery of depleted Mediterranean fish stocks.
A binding recommendation (GFCM 46) was adopted by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean at its recent meeting in Croatia. It is designed to empower the organization to sanction member states that fail to meet safeguards set for sustainable fishing. The system will come into force in 2025, expanding the GFCM’s ability to compel compliance across its 22 member states plus the European Union.
Under the new framework, member states can face coercive measures if their trawler fleets operate in prohibited areas or if there is noncompliance with fishing gear rules or harvest restrictions. These steps mark a shift from years of inaction and create a clearer mechanism for enforcement across the region.
“After decades of inactivity by Mediterranean countries against illegal fishing, times are changing,” notes Helena Álvarez, senior marine scientist at Oceana in Europe. “From 2025, CGPM will have the power to require members to take action against those who do not comply with safeguarding requirements that prevent hunting, landing, or fishing in prohibited zones.”
Possible measures the GFCM could deploy include restricting fishing permits or reducing the number of permitted fishing days at sea. NGOs emphasize that the system should be complemented by a broader sanctions catalog to address cases where authorities cannot obtain the requested data, ensuring action is possible even when information is incomplete.
“The measures adopted by CGPM will improve adherence to conservation and management standards within the organization,” states Nils Courcy, Senior Maritime and Mediterranean Lawyer at ClientEarth. “Compliance with these standards is a meaningful step toward healthier fish stocks and marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean.” He also highlights the intention to extend monitoring, control, and reporting obligations by 2026 at the latest, a move he describes as essential for maintaining a healthy marine environment in the region.
Steve Trent, founder and chief executive of the Environmental Justice Foundation, welcomed the progress. “CGPM can now impose sanctions for violations of conservation rules, a vital step on the road to recovery.” He cautioned that the ultimate success will depend on how effectively this tool is implemented and enforced, urging GFCM members to apply the rules consistently when setting future guidelines.
Prior to the meeting, NGOs pressed for a sanctions system capable of addressing illegal fishing and non-compliance within the CGPM’s territory. This call was supported by a legal study published that week, which indicated that CGPM already holds the authority to implement such measures. The momentum signals a new era for regional stewardship of the Mediterranean’s aquatic resources.
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Notes: this piece reflects statements from multiple conservation organizations and legal experts involved in Mediterranean fisheries governance, emphasizing the evolving role of regional bodies in enforcing sustainable fishing practices across member states.