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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The seventh meeting of the Subregional Committee for the Western Mediterranean (SRC-WM) was held in Rome, Italy, in hybrid modality, on 21–24 May 2024. The aims of the meeting were to: i) compile relevant information on the status of western Mediterranean fisheries and provide advice to the Scientific Advisory Committee on Fisheries (SAC), including on urgent actions towards sustainability and following the requests made by the Commission, in particular in relation to the blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) fishery in the Alboran Sea, demersal and small pelagic species in the subregion, common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) in the Mediterranean Sea, the establishment of a fisheries restricted area (FRA) in the Cabliers coral mound in the Alboran Sea and the development of a research programme on jellyfish in the western Mediterranean; ii) identify priority topics for the subregion, including in relation to data collection, provision of advice and implementation of management measures; and iii) prepare a draft workplan to address priority issues for the consideration of the SAC. The SRC-WM formulated draft advice including compiling technical elements for adopting remedial measures on blackspot seabream, on assessing management plans, enhancing stakeholder engagement, revising stock assessment processes and improving small-scale fisheries data collection. The Committee agreed on a workplan for 2024–2026 to continue implementing minimum conservation reference size roadmaps, enhance data collection for small pelagic fisheries, provide advice on common dolphinfish, assess recreational fisheries, and contribute to research on jellyfish and blue crabs. Additionally, finalize socioeconomic analysis for the Cabliers coral mound, update the FRA roadmap, and continue deep-sea fisheries pilot studies.