A joint ACCOBAMS/GFCM approach to mitigate bycatch and depredation in the Mediterranean Sea
(
Intergovernmental organization
)
#OceanAction40955
Description
The main objectives of this regional initiative are:
1) to enhance the conservation of cetaceans, sea turtles and seabirds, in particular by mitigating interactions with fisheries, considering both incidental catches and depredation issues;
2) to increase the awareness of national authorities, fishers and civil society and to demonstrate that economic incomes of fishers could be diversified through association of traditional fishing with ecotourism-oriented activities such as observation of wild marine fauna.
National institutions and NGOs implement eight pilot actions in selected fisheries of the Central and Western Mediterranean Sea (i.e. France, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria) aiming at identifying the nature of such interactions and at testing mitigations measures:
Purse seine sardine fisheries in the Moroccan Mediterranean, coordinated by INRH
Bluefin tuna artisanal fisheries in the Strait of Gibraltar, coordinated by INRH & IEO
Swordfish and albacore longline fisheries in southern Spain, coordinated by IEO
Bottom and surface longline fisheries in the Gulf of Gabs, coordinated by INSTM
Purse seine small pelagic fisheries in Kelibia, coordinated by INSTM
Longline and gillnet fisheries in southern France and the Balearic Islands, coordinated by CestMed and ALNITAK.
A preliminary study on the occurrence and extent of incidental catches of cetaceans and depredation events in Algerian fisheries is also being developed by CNRDPA.
The project also aims at supporting the development of sustainable ecotourism activities based on the link between traditional fishing and the sustainable observation of marine fauna preventing disruption and harassment of animals. This would place fishers in the role of responsible actors and "ambassadors" of the seas.
The project will also ensure wide dissemination, in the ACCOBAMS area, of results and lessons learnt and knowledge sharing on mitigating bycatch and depredation.
- UNEP/MAP-Regional Activity Center for Specially Protected Areas (UNEP/MAP-RAC/SPA)
- ALNITAK Marine Research and Education center (NGO)
- Centre dEtudes et de Sauvegarde des Tortues Marines de Mditerrane CestMed (NGO)
- Centre National de Recherche et de Dveloppement de la Pche et de l'Aquaculture CNRDPA (Government)
- Instituto Espaol de Oceanografa IEO (Government)
- Institut National des Sciences et Technologies de la Mer - INSTM (Government)
- Institut National de Recherche Halieutique INRH (Government)
SDGS & Targets
Goal 14
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
14.1
By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
14.1.1
(a) Index of coastal eutrophication; and (b) plastic debris density
14.2
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
14.2.1
Number of countries using ecosystem-based approaches to managing marine areas
14.3
Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
14.3.1
14.4
By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics
14.4.1
14.5
By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
14.5.1
14.6
By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation
14.6.1
Degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
14.7
By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism
14.7.1
Sustainable fisheries as a proportion of GDP in small island developing States, least developed countries and all countries
14.a
Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
14.a.1
14.b
Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets
14.b.1
Degree of application of a legal/regulatory/policy/institutional framework which recognizes and protects access rights for small‐scale fisheries
14.c
Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of "The future we want"
14.c.1
Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources
SDG 14 targets covered
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| 14.4 | By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics |
| 14.7 | By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism |
| 14.a | Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries |
Deliverables & Timeline
Resources mobilized
Partnership Progress
| Title | Progress Status | Submitted |
|---|---|---|
| Partnership Progress 2020-04-03 | Completed | |
| Partnership Progress 2020-04-03 | Completed |
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Contact Information
Susana SALVADOR, Executive Secretary