Introduction and methodology

The Mediterranean and the Black Sea (FAO major fishing area 37) have sustained important fisheries activities since ancient times. Today, industrial, semi-industrial and small-scale fisheries coexist in the region, using a large variety of fishing gear. In contrast with other major fishing areas, Mediterranean and Black Sea fisheries generally lack large mono-specific stocks, and instead exploit a variety of benthic and pelagic stocks of fish, as well as molluscs and crustaceans. In addition, since the Mediterranean and the Black Sea are semi-enclosed seas, with an overall lack of exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and consequently with stocks that are often shared among fleets from different countries, the fishery sector has always played an important role in the region. In fact, despite its relatively low economic output compared to other economic activities in the region (e.g. tourism, oil and gas exploration), the annual production of roughly 1.22 million tonnes offers employment opportunities to several hundred thousand people, supplies seafood products for human consumption to local and regional markets, and creates many other indirect benefits, maintaining the social fabric of coastal communities. Fisheries are also an intrinsic part of the cultural landscape of Mediterranean and Black Sea countries.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Life Below Water

Responsible Consumption and Production

Zero Hunger