This workshop stressed that the concept of reference points (RPs) needs to be closely connected to the management objective of concerned fisheries, taking into account various parameters such as maximum sustainable yield, economic and social benchmark and environment concern. Participants stressed the need to define different RPs for each dimension of management or to identify a single RP aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the system, thereby no longer limited to biological aspects. A review of possible approaches to setting RPs and indicators for Black Sea fisheries emphasized the dynamic nature of recent ecosystem changes. The traffic light approach was illustrated as a means of following dynamic changes and gaining a broad perspective on events at the ecosystem level. The workshop outlined the main RPs obtained by applying the bio-economic optimization models of effort and effort-catch as derived from the theory of population dynamics.

Mediterranean finfish species such as the European seabass and the gilthead seabream have, over the last two decades, been attracting considerable attention among aquaculturists and investors. The net result has been a rapid increase in the supply of the finfish to European markets. Accessing these markets with the right product at the right price is a key factor in the success of any commercial aquaculture project. This report describes the current status of the European market for these and other finfish species and the major characteristics of marketing farmed fish in the Mediterranean basin. Part 1 of the report gives an overview of the global European market, including developments in finfish production and marketing performance. Part 2 reviews major market traits of the European seabass and the gilthead seabream as well as other finfish including tilapia. It discusses suppliers to Europe, prices, marketing strategies and product types. Part 3 presents important European market characteristics such as product quality, consistency of supplies and competitive prices. Part 4 gives key figures regarding aquaculture production by country. Part 5 outlines farming technologies that may be more suited to certain Mediterranean countries and may offer new investment opportunities.--Publisher's description.

The establishment of fishery statistics and information systems in many countries of the General Fishery Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) continues to be considered a high priority activity, and the need to monitor fishing activities and provide fishery management at all levels with accurate, reliable and timely data which can interact with stock assessment and economic and socioeconomic studies for decision-making is constantly increasing. In accordance with FAO and the GFCM mandate, the objective of MedStat is to contribute to the sustainable and responsible fisheries management of fishery resources and fish production in the Mediterranean Sea through the implementation of a long-lasting statistical and information programme which will provide a sound basis for decision-making. The whole national statistical system developed within this activity consists of a set of databases and associated statistical data collection and implementation methodologies and procedures that primarily cover the fishing vessel census, catch and effort surveys, and other surveys targeting monitoring and management issues. Strengthening the capability of the fisheries institutions of the Mediterranean countries in marine fishery statistics and information systems, with a view to meeting the relevant national needs and requirements for participation in, and complementing in its entirety, the Mediterranean Fishery Statistics and Information System, is also considered a priority issue of MedStat.

This publication sets out the results of a FAO project called Co-operation Networks to Facilitate Coordination to Support Fisheries Management in the Western and Central Mediterranean (COPEMED), the first-ever inventory of regional artisanal fishery communities in the Central and Western Mediterranean region.

This pilot study on the construction of socio-economic indicators was useful in demonstrating the possibilities of developing indicators and of their application for building an understandting of main socio-economic trends within a Mediterranean fisheries management unit.