The application of the ecosystem approach to fisheries in the Mediterranean and Black Seas

Abstract

The FP7 EU Project CREAM concerns improving research in support of scientific advice to fisheries management in the Mediterranean and Black Seas. The project aims to establish an effective collaboration network among key role players in Mediterranean and Black Sea fisheries. The overall objective is to support the application of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries and work fostering integrated collaboration among stakeholders, scientists and fisheries managers to enhance the sustainability of fishery resources. This was achieved by collecting information on activities carried out by international organizations in relation to the EAF. The CREAM project launched a questionnaire asking decision makers and stakeholders of these organizations about their regional research programmes and management actions. Here we present results obtained from the questionnaires, including concerns about the implementation of EAF to the Mediterranean and Black Sea. Some recognised gaps and shortcomings in the implementation of EAF, for example the need for cooperation and coordination in data collection, assessment advice and management was expressed. The project delivered activities to stakeholders in order to help harmonize data collection and methodologies used in fisheries assessment and management. The project served to establish the guidelines for the application of the EAF, both in EU member states and third countries. The consortium consisted of 22 insitutions, 17 countries, 1 international agency, eight EU countries, nine non EU countries and five International bodies as external participants. A key objective now is to establish a collaboration network among key role players, fisheries researchers and managers Moreover training and capacity building activities regarding data collection and methodologies used in fisheries assessment and management are other important aspects that were attempt to achieve