This publication reports on the 8th session of the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean, which was held in Tirana, Albania in October 2005. Issues discussed include: fishery management proposals emanating from the work of sub-committees; research priorities and its workplan for 2006; measures for the protection of certain marine ecosystem including gear selectivity issues and stock assessment methodologies.

This meeting reviewed the status of aquaculture in the Mediterranean region and the activities of the networks linked to the Committee. It acknowledged the need to strengthen collaboration with relevant national and regional organisations, and that regular aquaculture reports covering production and marketing trends be undertaken and published. Budgetary issues were also discussed.