General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean - GFCM

Management plan | Small pelagic fisheries in the Adriatic Sea

A multiannual management plan for small pelagic fisheries in the Adriatic Sea was adopted in 2021, establishing a management framework for fisheries targeting sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) in geographical subareas (GSAs) 17 and 18 for the period 2022–2029.

Established by Recommendation GFCM/44/2021/20, the multiannual management plan follows emergency measures established for 2015–2016 and supplementary measures established for 2017–2018 and 2019–2021. It sets a two-phase approach, with fixed reductions of joint catch limits for sardine and anchovy in the first three transitional years. The long-term phase shall see a yearly catch per species set annually based on the status of the stocks and a harvest control rule (HCR), while taking into account the socioeconomic impact on the fleets and dependent industries.

MAIN PROVISIONS

  1. Enforces a two-step approach, with a transitional period of three years.
    • Transitional regime in 2022–2024 based on the fixed annual reductions of the total catch of sardine and anchovy (small pelagics).
    • Long-term phase (from 2025) based on the single species annual catch limits based on the status of the stock and adopted HCR.
  2. Encourages relevant countries to provide active support in improving the quality of scientific advice and in contributing to the management strategy evaluation (MSE) process. This work has been undertaken, resulting in the identification of the most appropriate HCR to be implemented in the long-term phase.
  3. Determines spatio-temporal closures to protect sardine and anchovy during the spawning periods and in the areas important for the protection of juveniles.
  4. Imposes capacity limitations in terms of number of vessels, gross tonnage (GT) and power (kW).
  5. Establishes an inspection scheme to ensure compliance with the conservation and management measures in place.

Learn more about the GFCM's management plans.

OBJECTIVES

  • Ensure that exploitation levels of key stocks are at MSY by the end of 2028
  • Prevent an increase in fishing capacity
  • Protect nursery and spawning areas and essential fish habitats important for the key stocks
  • Contribute to the elimination of discards
  • Provide for measures to adjust the fishing capacity while ensuring economically viable fleets without overexploiting marine living resources.

RELEVANT RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommendation GFCM/46/2023/5 on the extension of the transitional fishing regime and the establishment of catch limits in 2024 for small pelagic stocks in the Adriatic Sea (geographical subareas 17 and 18), stemming from Recommendation GFCM/44/2021/20

Recommendation GFCM/44/2021/20 on a multiannual management plan for the sustainable exploitation of small pelagic stocks in the Adriatic Sea (geographical subareas 17 and 18)

Recommendation GFCM/42/2018/8 on further emergency measures in 2019–2021 for small pelagic stocks in the Adriatic Sea

Recommendation GFCM/40/2016/3 establishing further emergency measures in 2017 and 2018 for small pelagic stocks in the Adriatic Sea (geographical subareas 17 and 18)

Recommendation GFCM/38/2014/1 amending Recommendation GFCM/37/2013/1 and on precautionary and emergency measures for 2015 on small pelagic stocks in the GFCM GSA 17

Recommendation GFCM/37/2013/1 on a multiannual management plan for fisheries exploiting small pelagic stocks