2nd CCLME Ecosystem Planning and Analysis Working Group Meeting

Casablanca, Morocco - From May 2nd to May 5th, 2023, the regional coordination unit held the 2nd CCLME Ecosystem Planning and Analysis Working Group meeting as part of its ongoing Project "Towards the Sustainable Management of the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME) - Initial Support to the Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme (SAP)." The meeting brought together 24 participants, with 17 attending in-person and 7 joining online, representing beneficiary countries and partners.

The main objective of the meeting was to assess and analyze available scientific knowledge in order to identify gaps and deficiencies in data and information related to the CCLME area, specifically focusing on the status of pelagic and demersal stocks, vulnerable species, critical habitats, and water quality. The discussions aimed to further support enabling the environment for the implementation of the Strategic Action Program for sustainable marine resource management.

The meeting spanned four days, during which several activities were conducted.

On day 1, the meeting commenced with an opening ceremony and presentations on the objectives and expected outcomes. Participants reviewed the recommendations and conclusions of the previous working group meeting. Countries and national partners presented scientific knowledge on various aspects of the CCLME.

On day 2, thematic working group sessions were held to identify preliminary analyses and validate scientific work based on available data and information. The outcomes of these sessions were shared during a plenary session for further discussion.

On the 3rd day, the focus was on ecosystem characterization, with presentations on the roadmap towards CCLME characterization, including methodologies and information requirements. Thematic working group sessions were conducted to identify knowledge and data gaps for the ecosystem characterization process.

The last day centered on preparations for the CCLME symposium, with discussions on objectives, expected results, and a timetable for its organization.

The meeting successfully achieved its objectives, facilitating knowledge sharing and identifying data gaps to advance the ecosystem characterization process. Participants validated the CCLME symposium Terms of Reference, which will be an important step in sharing new knowledge on marine management and enabling the environment for the implementation of the Strategic Action Program.

Participants committed to further strengthening collaboration, knowledge sharing, and regional cooperation for sustainable fisheries management in the CCLME area. The partners emphasized the importance of the implementation of scientific activities for 2023, addressing knowledge and data gaps, and building the scientific capacities of national research institutions.