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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The GFCM Working Group on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing in the GFCM Area of Application was held on 4–5 May 2017 in Athens, Greece. The meeting reviewed progress in the implementation of the mid-term strategy (2017–2020) towards the sustainability of Mediterranean and Black Sea fisheries. In this regard, it discussed a draft regional plan of action for the fight against IUU fishing and exchanged expert views as to its contents. Several problems associated with IUU fishing were identified and different State responsibilities were discussed, as well as how best to promote interconnectedness and coordination. With a view to build upon the progress made to date by the GFCM in fighting against IUU fishing, the regional plan of action would encompass measures needed to fight IUU fishing as well as strategies for the provision of technical assistance at the regional and sub-regional levels to build capacity of countries. Progress in the implementation of existing measures was also discussed, including port State measures, the use of IMO number, the FAO Global Record, the assessment of IUU fishing and transhipment. With regards to the need to raise awareness on IUU related problems, the commitment to the declaration of an international day for the fight against IUU fishing by the FAO was renewed. Since this initiative stemmed from a previous decision by the Working Group, the GFCM would continue to support it with resolve.