An extraordinary session of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) will be held under the Greek Presidency. The objective of this session is to promote the discussions on the amendments to the Agreement for the Establishment of the GFCM. The amendments aim to improve and modernize the Legal and Institutional Framework of the organisation as well as associated rules and regulations.

The meeting is of particular importance at this moment since many regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs) have recently expanded their mandates to apply the precautionary approach to take due account of the impact of fisheries on other species and the marine ecosystem.

Consisting of 23 Member countries along with the European Union, the GFCM’s objectives are to promote the development, conservation, rational management and best utilization of living marine resources, as well as the sustainable development of aquaculture in the Mediterranean, Black Sea and connecting waters.