year: 2013

10-11 May 2013. Split, Croatia. Second validation meeting of the Task Force to improve and modernize the legal and institutional framework of the GFCM.

The second meeting on the validation of the outcomes of the Task Force was held in Split attended by 48 participants, including representatives of the GFCM members, the FAO, non-governmental organizations and both the GFCM Bureau and the Secretariat. The Deputy Minister of the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture Mr Markovic, welcomed the participants and Mr Cataudella, GFCM chairperson chaired the meeting. Recommendations were prepared and the report of the meeting was sent for revision to the 37th GFCM meeting. The Coordinators of the FAO Mediterranean projects AdriaMed, CopeMed, EastMed and MedSudMed were participating, providing inputs to the Task Force related with the activities of the projects.

23-24 April 2013. Sliema, Malta. 11th Coordination Committee Meeting of the MedSudMed Project.

The fishery officer of CopeMed participated in the 11th Coordination Committee Meeting of the FAO MedSudMed Project.
The meeting was held on 23-24 April 2013 in Sliema, Malta kindly hosted by the Maltese Ministry for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change, Fishery Control Directorate. The Committee focused on the inter-committee period and on the activities planned for the coming period. The meeting was opened to representatives from the four participating countries (Italy, Libya, Malta and Tunisia) and the Donors, as well as by the representatives of the Marine and Inland Service of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Use and Conservation Division of FAO (FAO FIRF), the FAO General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (FAO GFCM) and of the other FAO Regional Projects operating in the Mediterranean Sea.

22-23 April 2013. Almeria, Spain. Preliminary Scientific Seminar on Global Change effects in the Alboran Sea.

Celebrated at the University of Almería in the framework of the Campus of excellence international of the Sea and organised by the Centre for the evaluation and follow up of the climate change of Andalucia (CAESCG) a group of experts and scientist were convened to build a conceptual and methodological framework to implement the ecosystem approach to the management of the Alboran Sea and to contribute to a better knowledge of the climate change effects in this area of the Mediterranean Sea. The objective of this first meeting was to launch a multidisciplinary platform, transbundary and systematic. This seminar was the first of three that will be organised during 2013. The next seminar will incorporate the policy makers and managers and a third one will also incorporate the civil society. The final objective of this joint Morocco-Spain platform is to agree on a list of indicators for the follow up of the effects of the climate changes in the Alboran Sea. These activities are part of the Poctefex Alboran Sea Project funded by the European Union. The countries involved in the project are Morocco and Spain. Juan A Camiñas, coordinator of CopeMed was participating as a FAO international expert on this Mediterranean region.

8-11 April 2013. FAO HQs, Rome, Italy. Scientific Advisory Committee - 15th Session.

The Fifteenth Session of the SAC of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) was held in Rome and attended by delegates from 19 Contracting Parties, Cooperating non-Contracting Parties (Georgia, Russian Federation, Ukraine), intergovernmental organizations (ACCOBAMS, ICCAT, MedPAN, MSC) as well as representatives of the FAO Regional Projects and GFCM Secretariat. Delegates from the CopeMed II subregion representing their countries and CopeMed II coordinator and Fishery officer attended the meeting with the other coordinators and experts of the FAO Projects in the Mediterranean. The project coordinator presented the major activities and main achievements carried out by CopeMed II taking advantages to meet with several delegates and discuss activities related with the Workplan.

4-5 April 2013, Rome, Italy. 4th Coordination Committee Meeting of the EastMed Project.

The fourth Coordination Committee Meeting of the EastMed project was held in FAO HQ, Rome, Italy, from 4 to 5 April. The meeting was attended by delegations from Cyprus, Egypt, Gaza Strip & West Bank, Greece, Italy, Lebanon and Turkey, as well as an expert from Syria and staff from FAO HQ, FAO Mediterranean sub-regional projects and the GFCM. The activities during the 3rd year of the project were presented, followed by the proposals of activities for the 4th year from each country. The agreed work plan for the 4th year includes training and support in data collection, data analyses, activities aiming in strengthening stakeholders’ awareness and activities in promoting regional participation and cooperation. The EastMed project, in close cooperation with the other Mediterranean sub-regional projects, will continue to find synergies among the various activities in the region.

25-27 March 2013, Frascati, Italy. GFCM strategic Framework Programme (FWP). Workshop on fisheries data collection in the Mediterranean Sea.

The Project Coordinator participated at the GFCM WS on fisheries data collection in the Mediterranean Sea (Frascati, Italy, 25-27 March 2013), which is one of the actions included in the GFCM strategic Framework Programme (FWP). In the meeting, the GFCM secretariat presented a compilation of the questionnaires circulated to the countries through which problems of collection and data transmission were analysed. The national focal points described their national scheme on data collection and presented their gaps and weaknesses. The Sub regional projects presented the activities achieved in the participating countries regarding training and pilot activities on data collection. At the end and based on the outcomes of the meeting, a deep discussion was dedicated to the improvement of GFCM TASK 1. The participants agreed to withdraw TASK 1.5 given that all the information is available in the stock assessment forms.

18-19 March 2013, Postira, Croatia. 14th Coordination Committee Meeting of the AdriaMed.

The Coordinator of CopeMed participated in the 14th AdriaMed Coordination Committee meeting which was organized and held in Postira, Croatia from 18-19 March 2013 and was kindly hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture of Croatia. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Donors, delegations from the countries participating in the Project (Albania, Croatia, Italy, Montenegro and Slovenia), representatives of the Marine and Inland Service of the Fisheries Resources Use and Conservation Division (FAO-FIRF) of FAO, the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) and the FAO Mediterranean Regional Projects. The Committee discussed the inter committee period and the programme of activities proposed for the next intersessional period of implementation was adopted.

7-8 March 2013. Malaga, Spain. 6th Meeting of the CopeMed II Coordination Committee.

The 6th annual meeting of the Coordination Committee of CopeMed II was held in the Subdelegacion del Gobierno in Malaga, the project’s headquarters. It was opened by Mr J. Hernández Mollar, Spanish Government representative in Malaga who welcomed the participants and stressed the importance to the Spanish government of fishing activities in the Mediterranean Sea from an economic and social point of view and the needs in maintaining equilibrium among conservation and exploitation based in the best available information and the collaboration and cooperation among scientist, fisheries administrations and other stakeholders for the sustainability.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Spanish Donor, Secretaria General de Pesca, delegations from the countries participating in the Project (Algeria, France, Italy, Libya, Malta, Morocco, Spain and Tunisia), the FAO Fisheries Management and Conservation Service, the two Coordinators from FAO AdriaMed, MedSudMed and EastMed Projects, as well as the CopeMed II Project staff.

13 February, 2013. Agadir, Morocco. Participation in the inaugural Fisheries Halieutis Meeting.

Participants at the meeting of the Joint Committee on Fisheries professionals, Spain and Morocco were invited to attend the inaugural Salon Halieutis (http://salonhalieutis.com). The meeting was opened by the Ministre de l'agriculture et de la Pêche Maritime, Mr. Aziz Akhannouch. Members of the Joint Committee and guests had the opportunity to speak with Mr Minister in a meeting and held informal meetings with the General Secretary of the Fisheries Ministry in Morocco (Ms Driouich) and the Director of the Moroccan Aquaculture Agency (Ms Majida Maarouf). CopeMed’s responsible had also the opportunity to meet the Spanish Fishery SG,Mr C. Dominguez and informed him about the Joint Committee request so that CopeMed continues organizing bilateral meetings between Morocco and Spain for a management plan for the P. bogaraveo.

13 February, 2013. Agadir, Morocco. Joint Committee of fishing professionals from Spain and Morocco.

CopeMed Coordinator was invited by Mr. Youssef Benjelloun, the President of the Fisheries Chamber in Tangier, to participate in this meeting. The Moroccan Joint Committee President, Mr Omar Akouri informed that it was a great opportunity for the Committee to listen the CopeMed responsible to explain the cooperation activities developed by the project on the fishery resources of common interest for Morocco and Spain. The president of the Spanish Fisheries Confederation (CEPESCA) and EUROPECH, Mr Javier Garat, represented the Spanish delegation. Other guests were Mr John Goodlad representing The Prince's Charities' International Sustainability Unit and Mr Carlos Aldereguía, Executive Secretary of the EU RAC Long Distance Fleet.
After request of the Joint Committee, Mr Camiñas presented the main activities of sub-regional cooperation for the development of a management plan for the species of common interest in Morocco-Spain under CopeMed project and to strengthen bilateral cooperation. The meeting was also attended by the General Secretary of the Moroccan Fisheries Ministry, Ms Driouch, SG Fisheries of Spain, Mr C Dominguez, the GFCM Executive Secretary and President, Mr A. Srour and Mr S. Cataudella respectively and others fisheries responsible in Morocco and of the Spanish representation in Rabat.

7 February 2013. Bou-Ismail, Algerie. Consultation Meeting between CNRPA and CopeMed.

CopeMed staff met the Director of the CNRDPA and his team in the center for shellfish aquaculture at Bou-Ismail, in the province of Tipaza, to review the activities of the project with the Centre and the different actions with the participation of Algerian experts. This meeting was an opportunity to remind the high level of CNRDPA cooperation and participation in the activities of CopeMed during 2012 and to discuss and propose future activities in the field of technical assistance, capacity building and regional cooperation in the sustainable management and developing of fisheries in Algeria.

6 February 2013. Budjezar, Algerie. An experimental survey on the selectivity of the 40 mm square mesh in trawl cod-ends supported by CopeMed was launched.

Accompanied by Mr Khaled Fliti, Director of National Centre for Research and Development Fisheries and Aquaculture (CNRDPA), CopeMed’s team visited the port of Budjezar, western Oran to proceed with the launch of the experimental campaign on mesh 40 mm square mesh size in trawl cod-end. On this occasion, a technical meeting was held with the owner of the boat available for the campaign, the research team CNRDPA and technical CopeMed’s team to discuss the organization of this campaign. Over a period of about 20 days, this experimental campaign will help to provide accurate information on the selectivity of the gear. Data corresponding the socio-economic aspects are also included.

5 February 2013. Alger, Algeria. The Minister of Fisheries of Algeria receives CopeMed’s team and FAO representative.

Mr. Sid Ahmed Ferroukhi, Minister of Fisheries and fishery resources of the Algerian Republic, received in audience the project CopeMed’s team, accompanied by the representative of FAO in Algeria Mr. Nabil Assaf on Tuesday, February 5th, 2013 at the Ministry. During this interview, the Minister expressed his great interest for the FAO work in fisheries management and CopeMed work in the subregion. He particularly commended the project for its support for the experimental campaign on the selectivity of 40 mm square mesh in Algeria.
The team project also welcomed CopeMed the great participation and involvement of Algeria in the project activities, showing a real interest in technical cooperation for the development of fisheries at National and sub-regional level . At the end of the meeting Mr. Minister thanked FAO and CopeMed for the efforts to strengthen sub-regional cooperation and the support the sustainable management of fisheries resources in Algeria.

 year: 2012

6-7 December 2012. Implementation of the first phase of activities within the 2013-2018 GFCM Framework Programme – Preparatory meeting.

The Project Coordinator participated in the preparatory meeting regarding the implementation of the 1st phase of the GFCM Framework programme in GFCM premises from 6-7 December 2012. In the meeting besides the GFCM Secretariat participated the Coordinators of the SAC/sub committees and representatives of the sub regional projects including senior officer from FAO-FIRF. The goal of the meeting was to define actions to strengthen data collection and submission frameworks and promote the implementation of the GFCM guidelines for multiannual management plans. Regarding the data collection component of the GFCM Framework programme, the need for a revision of Task 1 was highly mentioned. Regarding the guidelines for multiannual management plans, it was commented that these guidelines will be accompanied by case studies with the small pelagic fishery in Adriatic to be the first. An extended presentation on EAF was also made by a senior officer who mainly provided the EAF principles which have to drive the management plans.

5-9 November 2012. Split, Croatia. GFCM-SAC-SCSA Working Groups on Stock Assessment for demersal and for small pelagic species.

The meeting was held in Split (Croatia) to analyze the data sets provided by the participants, to produce diagnoses on the status of the stocks and to suggest management advice to the SAC considering the different alternatives. In order to advance in reinforcing subregional collaboration, experts from Algeria (CNRDPA), Morocco (INRH) and Spain (IEO) were supported by the project and presented the joint stock assessment results on Parapenaeus longirostris, Pagellus bogaraveo and Sardina pilchardus from the Alboran Sea area, arisen from the CopeMed Working Groups meetings on demersal and small pelagic species, and two related-assessment documents on Merluccius merluccius and Engraulis encrasicolus. CopeMed II project supported the preparatory meetings, the elaboration of the five assessment/documents and the participation of three national experts and the project coordinator in the GFCM meeting. More info on OP13, OP14, OP15 and OP16.

2-4 October 2012. Nador, Morocco. CopeMed II Working Group on Small Pelagic Fisheries Resources in the Alboran Sea.

CopeMed II organised for the third time the study group of experts from the Alboran sea region (Algeria, Morocco and Spain) on the stocks of sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus). The meeting gathered experts from Algeria, Morocco and Spain: the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO); the National Research Centre for the Development of Fisheries and Aquaculture (CNRDPA) of Algeria and the National Institute of Fisheries Research (INRH) of Morocco, with participation of the FAO CopeMed II staff. The data available on S. pilchardus at national level was explored and the most suitable approaches for update a joint stock assessment prepared during the meeting in 2011 were discussed and identified. A final document on the assessment of the stocks was finally agreed with data from Morocco and Spain. Concerning anchovy, it was not possible to run a joint assessment, although the experts identified the main gaps and prepared recommendations on data collection and biological sampling and drafted a document on Advances in preparing a joint assessment on E. encrasicholus of the Alboran area.

A compilation of data on socio-economic aspects of the national fisheries on small pelagic in the three countries was prepared and socio-economic indicators were prepared. Advances on the socio-economic aspects of the Alboran fisheries on small pelagic will be analysed and a document will be prepared by the group for the next SCESS of the SAC-GFCM.

26-28 September 2012. Málaga, Spain. First meeting of the Study Group on Merluccius merluccius stock of the Alboran region.

CopeMed II organised for the first time a meeting of experts from the Alboran sea region (Algeria, Morocco and Spain) on the stocks of European hake, M. merluccius. The meeting gathered experts from the regional fisheries research institutions: the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO); the National Research Centre for the Development of Fisheries and Aquaculture (CNRDPA) of Algeria; the National Institute of Fisheries Research (INRH) of Morocco and the National Institute of Marine Science and Technology (INSTM) of Tunisia, with participation of FAO staff. The study group, integrated in the Subregional demersal Working Group between CopeMed and MedSudMed, presented and discussed the available information and knowledge on the hake fisheries in the countries, fishery and biological data collection national systems, experimental surveys at sea, biological parameters and stock assessment carried out in each GSA 01, 03 and 04 of the GFCM. The data available on M. merluccius at national level was explored and the most suitable approaches for a joint stock assessment were discussed and identified. Although it was not possible to run a joint assessment, the experts identified the main gaps and prepared recommendations on data collection and biological sampling and drafted a document on Advances in preparing a joint assessment of M. merluccius stock for GSAS 01, 02, 03 and 04 of the GFCM that will be presented to the next meeting of the WG on demersal stocks of the SAC-GFCM (Split, 5-9 November 2012).

21 September 2012, Rome, Italy. Meeting between FIRF, FAO Regional Projects and GFCM.

The FAO FIRF projects had a meeting with GFCM in order to discuss the contribution of the Regional Projects to the GFCM Framework Programme (FWP) 2013-2018. The GFCM FWP has been approved at the 36th session of the Commission. A summary table was prepared with the main proposed actions and activities for the first and second year of the FWP, where the Regional Projects have respectively inserted their running or to be run activities. The meeting was an initiative from FIRF in order to interchange ideas, clarify outputs, identify priorities and procedural ways to achieve the expected outputs. Discussions were held on the collaboration that can be conducted between GFCM and FIRF on Improving Governance and fisheries management, data collection, promoting the role of aquaculture and enhancing the development of artisanal fisheries.

24-26 September 2012. Málaga, Spain. Second meeting of the Study Group on Parapeneus longirostris stock of the Alboran region.

The deep-water pink shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) is of great importance for the countries bordering the Alboran Sea (Algeria, Morocco and Spain). The FAO-CopeMed II project demersal study group aims at progressing in the improvement of P. longirostris joint stock assessment in GSAs 01, 02, 03 and 04, by using a standard methodology.The meeting gathered experts from the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO); the National Research Centre for the Development of Fisheries and Aquaculture (CNRDPA) of Algeria; the National Institute of Fisheries Research (INRH) of Morocco and the National Institute of Marine Science and Technology (INSTM) of Tunisia and FAO staff. The experts from each country presented relevant national information on P. longirostris stock. The group updated the preliminary assessment carried out in September 2011 by adding the new information and data from Morocco and Spain and perfoming a new assessment, including data from Algeria. Based on the results the group propose some alternatives, options and recommendations to the improvement of the biological and fisheries parameter to achieve target referent points. For the first time a compilation of socioeconomic information of P. longirostris fishery through the indicators provided by the GFCM were pursued by the three countries.

4-6 July 2012. Malaga, Spain. CopeMed II coordinator representing FAO at the SAP-BIO meeting (Barcelona Convention).

The Fourth Meeting of the Advisory Committee of the Strategic Action Programme for the Conservation of Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean Region (SAP BIO) and the Third Meeting of National Correspondents of the Convention for the Protection of the Marine and Mediterranean coastal region (Barcelona Convention) were held in Malaga the 4-6 July. The FAO was represented at the two meetings by the Coordinator of CopeMed II, Mr. Juan A. Camiñas, who was elected reporter of the first meeting.
At the second meeting delegates representing thirteen Mediterranean countries plus the European Commission, regional or international organizations as Med/PAM Coordination Unit; FAO, GFCM, ACCOBAMS, MedPAN, IUCN Med, local organizer of the meeting, and NGOs representatives from Conservatoire du Litoral, WWF MedPO and the RAC/SPA acting as secretariat of the two meetings were participating. The Advisory Committee meeting and the National Correspondents meeting discussed the implementation, current evaluation process and national progress of the SAP BIO; the MedMPAnet project implementation; the proposal of Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance (SPAMIs) beyond national jurisdiction in high and deep seas; a pilot proposal related to climate change impacts mitigation and Ecosystem Approach to management of human activities: Mediterranean wetlands rehabilitation project, and other future actions to be developed under the framework of the RAC SPA.

25 June 2012. Brussels, Belgium. Meeting at DG Mare: FAO Regional Mediterranean Projects meeting with donors; Conference for presentation of FAO Mediterranean Projects; Coordination meeting between DG Mare and FAO-FIRF.

Two meetings and a Conference of the Marine and Inland Fisheries Service of the FAO Fisheries Department represented by the Coordinator Ms. Gabriela Bianchi and the staff, including the FAO Regional Mediterranean Projects (AdriaMed, CopeMed II, EastMed and MedSudMed) coordinators were held in Brussels DG Mare. The first meeting with the representatives of the countries and organisations funding the projects, Greece, Italy, Spain and the European Commission this represented by the Deputy Head of Unit Mr. Xavier Vazquez, was a common opportunity to analyse the main results and achievements of the FAO projects and to discuss priorities and funding options for the future of the regional projects actually covering the whole Mediterranean region. The Lunch-conference organised by DG Mare, was the opportunity to present the projects main achievements to a broad audience from the European Commission and to discuss how the FAO projects are working with countries and the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean in improving the Mediterranean fisheries policy and governance. Finally the annual Coordination meeting between FAO and DG Mare clarified the next year documentation needs, calendar for the presentation of the projects’ applications and funding options by the European Commission.

14 June 2012. Tunis, Tunisia. CopeMed II meeting with the Tunisian Director General for Fisheries and Aquaculture.

CopeMed II staff and the Fisheries technical Officer of the FAO-SNE Office in Tunis met the Director General of Fisheries and Aquaculture of Tunis Mr. H. Missaoui and his collaborators for discussion on the activities carried out by CopeMed in the country, particularly the works supported by CopeMed and the FAO-SNE office in Tunis to implement a national statistical system for the artisanal fisheries (SSPAT), the restitution to the country of the ArtFiMed project' results and products (final rapport of the project, guides and technical documents related with the artisanal fisheries in the Gulf of Gabès) as the final step of the project funded by AECID (Spain) and to evaluate the situation of other issues. The meeting clarified the priorities of CopeMed with Tunisian administration during the current annual period.

14 June 2012. Salammbô, Tunis.  CopeMed II meeting with the Tunisian CopeMed focal point and Director General of the INSTM.

The Director General of the INSTM is the national focal point of Tunisia in CopeMed II and representative of the country. The coordinator and the fisheries officer of CopeMed and a representative of the General Fisheries and Aquaculture DG of Tunis met Mr. Ridha MRabet to review the progress of scientific activities, training courses and to discuss future activities of CopeMed II involving the participation of the INSTM experts. The meeting permitted the improvement of the coordination with the INSTM and will facilitate the implementation of new activities supported by CopeMed in Tunisia.

13, 15 June 2012. Tunis, Tunisia. CopeMed II staff met the FAO Tunisian Subregional Office representative Mr. Horemans and his staff.

Mr Benoit Horemans, Subregional Coordinator of FAO in Tunis met the staff of the project CopeMed II the 13 June. During this meeting were revised the activities that CopeMed should carried out in the country and the region and particularly the meeting with the Director General for Fisheries and Aquaculture. It was decided to have a second technical meeting on Friday morning to better coordinate and cooperate between the SNE Office and CopeMed with Tunisia. The SNE fisheries officer Mr. Toueilib was also participating in the meeting and Mr Benoit decided his participation in the meeting with the DG for Fisheries.
A technical meeting was held in the FAO Office the 15 June by the CopeMed staff, Mr. Toueilib and Mr. Bougacha, Programme assistant of the Subregional Coordinator, reviewing activities to be implemented by CopeMed and those programmed or implemented by the SNE Office. The meeting permitted clarifies dates, participants, responsibilities and involvement of each part. The good connection and coordination among the different FAO members working on fisheries issues in Tunisia and the improved coordination during the two meeting between CopeMed and FAO-SNE is reinforcing the new role assigned by the FAO to the decentralisation.

14-19 May 2012. Morocco, Marrakech. 36th Session of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean.

The GFCM held its 36th session as well as the 3rd session of its Committee on Administration and Finance (CAF) and the 6th session of its Compliance Committee (CoC) in Marrakech, Morocco, from 14 to 19 May 2012. It was attended by delegates from 19 Members, together with observers from non Members, namely the Russian Federation and Ukraine, as well as from intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations and FAO Mediterranean projects. The 60 Anniversary of the Commission crated under the FAO was celebrated and the FAO was represented by Mr. Arni Mathiesen, Assistant Director-General, FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department. The Coordinator of CopeMed II takes advantage of the meeting to meet the coordinators of the other FAO Mediterranean Regional Projects: AdriaMed, MedSudMed and EastMed, respectively Mr. Enrico Arneri and Miss Konstatina Riga and discuss the progress and developments of ongoing and future activities of the projects and improve coordination and members of national delegations of the CopeMed countries.
More info on http://www.gfcm.org/fishery/nems/40036/en.

3-4 May 2012. Malaga, Spain. 5th Meeting of the CopeMed II Coordination Committee.

The 5th CopeMed II Coordination Committee meeting was held at the project headquarters in Málaga and attended by the representative of the Spanish donor Secretaría General de Pesca, delegations from Algeria, France, Italy, Malta, Morocco, Spain and Tunisia, Coordinators from FAO AdriaMed, MedSudMed and EastMed Projects as well as the officers from CopeMed II Project. Invited parties that attended this meeting were the Fisheries Administration of the Spanish regional Government of Andalucía and the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation. The Government Subdelegate in Málaga, Mr. Jorge Hernández Molar, recalled the support of the Spanish Government and of the Sub-delegation of the Spanish Government to the FAO-CopeMed II project and underlined the importance of the Project to strengthen the regional cooperation for the sustainability of fisheries resources in the Mediterranean. The Workplan 2012-13 with the activities to be supported by CopeMed II was adopted.

List of documents.

2 May 2012, Málaga, Spain. Meeting of organisations working in the Alborán Sea.

A meeting to coordinate efforts between Moroccan and Spanish institutions and international organisations (FAO-CopeMed II and IUCN) was held in the new Alborania Museum at the Malaga Port. The discussions aiming to reinforce South-North cooperation to advance in achieving sustainability of the Alboran Sea. The meeting was attended by Mr. Faik, Director General of the INRH and Mr. Sbai, from the Fisheries Ministry of Morocco and representatives from different Spanish institutions and enterprises, including the Director of the IEO Malaga Centre, Dr. J. Baro and members of the Aula del Mar de Málaga. After a presentation of Aborania contents, the institutions participating in an EU project (Alborán-Poctefex) requested the participation of CopeMed staff in future meeting and discussion to take advantage of the FAO experience in the region and in cooperation with Morocco and Spain.

25-26 April 2012, Casablanca, Morocco. Second Meeting of Directors of Fisheries and Marine research Centers from the North African countries.

More than twenty persons, including Directors and representatives from the Fisheries research Institute in Mauritania (IMROP), Libya (MBRC), Tunisia (INSTM) and Morocco (INRH), the Secretariat of the GFCM and the FAO –RNE Fisheries & Aquaculture Program Officer, the FAO-MedSudMed and FAO-CopeMed Coordinators and several responsible of different Units of INRH participated during two day in Casablanca in a new meeting of the group, under the general coordination of the Director of the Institut National de Recherche Halieutique (INRH) from Morocco, Mr. Moustapha Faik and the support of the GFCM, CopeMed and MedSudMed FAO projects. The meeting was opened by the General Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr. Addel Jabar Joussefi.
Main activities carried out during the meeting were focus on the definition of a strategic regional framework to reinforce the scientific regional capacities based on better coordination and synergies, to improve the knowledge of the marine systems and promote the sustainability of the marine exploitation and to discuss the contents of a regional Agreement for the constitution of the Network of Marine and Fisheries Research Institutes from North Africa.

Agenda.

26-28 March 2012. Muscat, Oman. Near East and North Africa. Regional Consultation Workshop on the development of Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries.

In the FAO framework to discuss guidelines on Small Scale Fisheries, the Near East and North Africa Regional Consultation Workshop will convene government and civil society representatives from 21 countries to share of policies and practices in support of small-scale fisheries in the region and thereby contribute to the Guidelines development process. Participants will also be asked to review the outcome of the workshop to be held in February 2012 during which the drafting of the contents of the Guidelines will have been started.
More details on http://www.fao.org/fishery/ssf/en.

26-28 March 2012. Tirana, Albania. CopeMed II Coordinator attended the 13th Meeting of the AdriaMed Coordination Committee.

Representing CopeMed II, Juan Antonio Camiñas participated in Tirana at the 13th Coordination meeting of the twin FAO project for the Adriatic region, AdriaMed. The meeting was attended by representatives from the donors, Italy and the European Commission and delegates from the participating countries. Representatives from the GFCM and FAO-EastMed and MedSudMed projects were also participating. This meeting has served to strengthen the cooperation between the different FAO Mediterranean projects and with the GFCM, to participate in discussions of regional interest and to organize joint activities and training with AdriaMed. The discussions focused mainly on reviewing the activities realized and the Workplan for AdriaMed presented by the Project Director, Enrico Arneri. A team of three international evaluators requested also the advise of the coordinators of the FAO-Projects on achievements of AdriaMed and main problems of the Mediterranean region related with fisheries cooperation.
More information: http://www.faoadriamed.org

25 March 2012. Muscat, Oman. Reducing Vulnerability of Fishers, Fish Farmers and their Communities to Natural Disasters and Climate Change Impacts in the Near East and North Africa Region’.

The overall purpose of the regional meeting is to promote consultation between the fisheries/aquaculture sector, the disaster risk management community and the climate change adaptation community in the region and contribute inputs to the “Near East and North Africa Regional Consultation Workshop on the development of Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries”, to be convened from 26 to 28 March 2012, in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.

Discussions will help identify gaps and priority actions as well as potential synergies with other institutions and will support the development of a regional programme for reducing the vulnerability of fishers, fish farmers and their communities to natural disasters and climate change in the region.
More details on http://www.fao.org/fishery/ssf/en.

20 March 2012. Rabat, Morocco. CopeMed meeting at the DPMA.

Following activities of CopeMed II and ArtFiMed in Morocco a meeting was held by the Coordinator in Rabat with Mme Zakia Driouich, Directrice des pêches maritimes et d'aquaculture. Other participants were, Mr Ktiri, Chef de la Division de la Protection des Ressources Halieutiques; M. Grichat, Chef de service a la DPMA ; Mme Hassouni, Chef de service a la DPMA; Mme Marhoume, Chef de service au SARPA, DPMA, a representative of the INRH Mr. Malouli and the FAOR delegate Mr ElMaghraoui.
Mr. Camiñas presented to the fisheries authority main conclusions and recommendations, documents and guidelines produced by ArtFiMed in Morocco. The meeting permitted also to review the support of CopeMed to activities in Morocco and particularly the organization and carry out of a survey on selectivity using a 40 mm square mesh-size in cod-end of bottom trawl gears, as agreed by the Coordination Committee in support of a GFCM resolution. The DG of the DPMA commented that they are looking for a solution to this issue in Morocco.

20 March 2012. Rabat, Morocco. CopeMed II Coordinator meet the FAO representative in Rabat.

With the occasion of the meeting with the DPMA of the CopeMed Coordinator, Mr. Abdelaziz El Maghraoui, Assistant Representing FAO in Morocco, invited the Coordinator to have a briefing in the FAO office in Rabat, to overview the CopeMed and ArtFiMed activities in the country. Mr. Camiñas informed Mr El Maghraoui about the objectives of the meeting at the DPMA and on the Tangier meeting for the assessment of the P. bogaraveo stock between Morocco and Spain.
Concerning the ArtFiMed activities in the site of Dikky, Mr El Maghraoui demonstrated a particular interest in supporting the Cooperative of fishers producing honey as a complementary activity to artisanal fisheries and he recommended to the representatives of the fisheries administration and the INRH in preparing a draft document to FAO Rabat Office that could support the honey commercialization.

19-21 March 2012. Tangier, Morocco. Second meeting of the CopeMed II Working Group between Spain and Morocco on Blackspot Seabrem (Pagellus bogaraveo) of the Strait of Gibraltar area.

From 19-21 March 2012, following the recommendations of the SAC and its SCSA, ten experts from Morocco (INRH) and Spain (IEO) and the FAO CopeMed project coordinator participated in the second meeting to review the 2010 assessment of the Blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) shared stock in the region of the Gibraltar Strait. The preparation of the meeting, the participation of Spanish experts and the evaluation of the stock are supported by CopeMed II. The project also will support the forward of results to the fisheries administrations and the GFCM. The RO participated in this meeting during the first and last day.

1. See Agenda

2. Analyse de la base de données du suivi de l'acrivité de peche du project ArtFiMedf à Dikky (Maroc)

3. Analyse de la chaine de valeur de la Dorade Rose (Pagellus Bogaraveo) de Dikky (Maroc)

4. Updated information from the Spanish Blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) fishery in the Strait of Gibratar area

5. Revision of the commercial categories of Blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) used in Marocco and Spain and possible effects on the evaluation of the stock of the Gibraltar Strait area

6. Actualisation des données sur la pêcherie du Pagellus bogaraveo dans le Détroit de Gibraltar (Maroc)

7. Análisis de la cadena de valor del besugo (Pagellus Bogaraveo) en Dikky (Marruecos)

8. Location and Track System for Andalusian Fishing Vessels (SLSEPA)

9. Spanish information about the red seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) trawl fishery in the GSA01 (Northern Alboran Sea)

13-14 March 2012. Djerba, (Tunisia). The 10th Coordination Committee Meeting of FAO-MedSudMed Project.

The 10th Coordination Committee Meeting of the FAO MedSudMed Project “Assessment and monitoring of the fisheries resources and their ecosystems in the Straits of Sicily” will be held from 13 – 15 March 2012 in Djerba, Tunisia kindly hosted by the Ministère de l'Agriculture et des Ressources Hydrauliques. The Meeting will focus on the inter committee period and on the activities planned for the coming period. The meeting will be attended by delegations from the four participating countries (Italy, Libya, Malta and Tunisia) and the Donors, as well as by the representatives of the Marine and Inland Service of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Use and Conservation Division of FAO (FAO-FIRF), the FAO General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (FAO-GFCM) and of the other FAO Regional Projects operating in the Mediterranean Sea.
Annoted Agenda

2 March 2012. Alicante, Spain. International Master on Sustainable Fisheries Management (4th edition).

The Master is jointly organized by the University of Alicante, the Spanish Ministry of the Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs, through the General Secretariat of the Sea and the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM), through the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Zaragoza (IAMZ). This Master is at the final stages of the process to become an official Master of the Spanish university system in 2011 within the framework of the new European Space for Higher Education. Furthermore, the Master counts on the collaboration of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The Coordinator of CopeMed participated as professor during the 2nd of March talking on Cooperation in Fisheries Research and Management in the Mediterranean region.
http://www.iamz.ciheam.org/ingles/cursos11-12/pesca-1112-pub-ing.htm.

20-24 February 2012. Sofia, Bulgaria. 14th Session of the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC).

The Fourteenth Session of the SAC of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) was attended by delegates from 19 Contracting Parties, Cooperating non-Contracting Parties (Georgia, Russian Federation, Ukraine), intergovernmental organizations (ACCOBAMS, ICCAT, MedPAN) as well as representatives of the FAO Regional Projects and GFCM Secretariat. Delegates from the CopeMed II subregion representing their countries and CopeMed II coordinator and Fishery officer attended the meeting with the other coordinators and experts of the FAO Projects in the Mediterranean. The project staff presented the major activities and main achievements carried out by CopeMed II and ArtFiMed taking advantages to meet with several delegates and discuss activities related with the Workplan.
http://151.1.154.86/GfcmWebSite/SAC/14/GFCM_SAC14_2012_Inf.19.pdf.

13-14 February 2012. Rabat, Morocco. First sub regional meeting of the task force for the western and central Mediterranean sub regions.

Organised by the GFCM Secretariat and the Fisheries Directorate from Morocco, the Task Force meeting of the GFCM in Rabat represents the first step of a new process which aims at promoting a bottom up approach and which is ultimately expected to lead to the amendment of the GFCM Agreement and associated rules. The meeting was attended by 35 participants from Algeria, EU, France, Italy, Libya, Malta, Monaco, Morocco, Spain and Tunisia, including representatives of GFCM Bureau, GFCM Secretariat and FAO regional projects CopeMed II and MedSudMed. CopeMed II was represented by the coordinator Mr Camiñas.

13th February 2012. Madrid, Spain. MSC Fishery Certification in Developing and Emerging Economies: "The Way Forward”.

The CopeMed II fishery officer, participated to the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) workshop, held in Madrid. The conference explored themes around fishery certification in developing and emerging economies. The items discussed were:
- Challenges and opportunities for fishery certification in developing countries
- Mechanisms to address challenges
- Current MSC work around developing world fisheries
- Supply chain issues and partnerships for certification
The report will be available on the MSC website: www.msc.org.

23-26 January 2012. Rome, Italy. GFCM Sub-Committee Meetings.

Experts from the CopeMed II subregion representing their countries and CopeMed II coordinator and Fishery officer participated in the following sub committee meetings.
- Sub-Committee on Marine Environment and Ecosystems (SCMEE) - 12th Session
- Sub-Committee on Stock Assessment (SCSA) - 13th Session
- Sub-Committee on Economic and Social Sciences (SCESS) - 12th Session
- Sub-Committee on Statistics and Information (SCSI) - 12th Session
The reports are available on the following link:
http://151.1.154.86/GfcmWebSite/MeetingsReportsRepository.html
The FAO Mediterranean Projects presented, during the tranversal session, an overview of the main results of the ArtFiMed projects and the other activities implemented by CopeMed II and the FAO Mediterranean Projects to support Small Scale Fisheries (SSF) in Mediterranean.
Download the presentation. (Microsoft PowerPoint^®)

 year: 2011

12th-16th December 2011. Sliema, Malta. Training course on Introduction to Fish Stock Assessment models.

The course will be held in Malta on 12-16 December 2011 in collaboration with the Malta Ministry of Resources and Rural Affairs. Experts coming from 17 countries will take part in this training activity and CopeMed supported the participation of experts of Algeria and Morocco. The training course aims to improve national technical capacity on appraisal and monitoring of natural resources in the CopeMed II, EastMed and MedSudMed projects area by reviewing the general approaches to fishery management and basic assessment models for fish population dynamics.

Course Plan.

24-29 October 2011. Chania, Crete (Greece). GFCM-SAC-SCSA Working Groups on Stock Assessment of Small Pelagic Species and Stock Assessment of Demersal Species.

Working groups on stock assessment of small pelagic and demersal species meeting was held in Chania, Crete (Greece) to progress in the enhancement of joint practical stock assessments by scientists from different Geographical Sub-Areas (GSAs).
Experts from CopeMed II countries were supported by the project in order to contribute in reinforcing subregional collaboration and present joint results. Experts from Algeria, Morocco, Spain and Tunisia presented two documents: i) "Advances in the joint assessment of Parapenaeus longirostris stock for Algeria, Morocco and Spain (GSAs 01, 02, 03 and 04 of the GFCM)" aiming to identify if there is a single P. longirostris stock in these GSAs and present the preliminary joint assessment; and ii) "Preliminary analysis for identification of priority species of small pelagic shared stocks in GSA01 and GSA03 (Alborán Sea)" carrying out a preliminary stock assessment on Sardina pilchardus and explaining its exploitation pattern in both sub-areas.
CopeMed supported the preparatory meetings, the elaboration of the two documents (available on the CopeMed website) and the participation of 4 experts in the GFCM meeting.

24-25 October, Málaga, Spain. 2nd CONGRESS OF THE SPANISH NETWORK OF WOMEN IN THE FISHERIES SECTOR: "Incorporation and entrepreneurship of women in the fisheries sector".

The 2nd Congress of the Spanish Network of Women in the Fisheries Sector "Incorporation and entrepreneurship of women in the fisheries sector" aims to create a forum for discussion among the different women's organizations in fisheries, the authorities working in this field and all interested persons. This forum aims to reflect on the challenges faced by women to achieve full integration in the fishing activities.
More info on: http://servipes.marm.es/congresomujeres/

Mr. Juan A. Camiñas and Mr. Matthieu Bernardon from CopeMed II, attended to the first day of the “2nd Congress of the Spanish Network of Women in the Fisheries Sector”, in which several women representatives of associations of Galicia and Andalusia talked about the importance of the professional organization of women in the fisheries sector. They explained that being organised let them develop their business since they took profit of the funding of Axis 4 of the European Fisheries Fund (EFF). Through the Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs), they created partnerships between fisheries’ actors and other local private and public actors related to fisheries. They built and implemented together a strategy to face the needs of their region in order to increase the economic, social and environmental well-being.

18-19 October 2011. Málaga, Spain. Meeting “Project elaboration on restoration and management of degraded Mediterranean coastal wetlands and lagoons”.

With the participation of RAC/SPA, GFCM, IUCN experts and the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department represented by the CopeMed team, the meeting aims to draft and identify a project to provide Mediterranean countries with an integrated Coastal Wetland Zone Management strategy, promoting the use of aquaculture and capture fishery as a base for habitat restoration, climate change mitigation, and the improvement of local communities’ welfare. During the meeting, key issues and challenges faced by Mediterranean coastal wetlands were identified, as well as the main activities that can help to restore and sustainably manage these very important ecosystems for coastal communities.

27-29 September 2011. Málaga, Spain. XXIX Sea Studies Week organized by the Foundation ASESMAR.

With the participation of several Spanish personalities, including the delegate of Spain in CopeMed Dr. Jorge Baro of the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (I.E.O.) who was one of the invited lecturers, the XXIX Sea Studies Week was held in Málaga, organized by the Foundation ASESMAR in collaboration with the University of Málaga and other local entities. The Sea Studies Week is an event held continuously, since 1983, in different Spanish cities. It consists in the development of a series of lectures given by experts of the highest level in subject dealt, responsible for sea-related organisms, entities and companies equally linked with marine activities. The Week is addressed particularly to young students, to postgraduates and to personal, entities and/or companies linked to marine activities. The project CopeMed II was represented by the coordinator. More information www.asesmar.org.

21-22 September 2011. Málaga, Spain. 1st Meeting of the subregional CopeMed II working group on small pelagic shared stocks in the Alboran Sea under the EAF.

The First meeting of the permanent CopeMed II Working Group on small pelagic fisheries in the Alboran Sea was held at the CopeMed offices in the Subdelegación del Gobierno de Málaga, Spain on the 21st -22nd of September 2011. The meeting was attended by experts from Morocco (Ministry of Agriculture and Maritime Fisheries and the INRH Nador center), Spain (Málaga and Palma de Mallorca centers of the IEO) and Tunisia (Sfax center of the INSTM) and the CopeMed II Project staff.
The SPASWG agreed in analyzing jointly the series of 2003-2008 data for sardine from Spain and Morocco; adopting standard protocols for biological sampling and at sea campaigns; organizing a network of experts and promoting joint ichthyoplankton and acoustic campaigns in the Alboran Sea. A new meeting of the WG is foreseeing for the same dates the next year.

12-16 September 2011. Salammbô (Tunisia). Second meeting of the Subregional CopeMed and MedSudMed joint Working Group on Demersal Fisheries Resources.

CopeMed II and MedSudMed jointly organized the second Subregional Demersal Working Group (SRDWG) for the members’ countries of the two projects with the local support of the Director of the INSTM. The meeting chaired by Mr Othman Jarboui, SAC vice-chair, was held in the premises of the INSTM at Salammbô from the 12 to 16 September. A total of 9 experts from four national research Institutions from Tunisia (INSTM), Italy (IAMZ-CNR) Malta (MRRA), Morocco (INRH) and staffs from the two FAO Projects were participating in the meeting. The meeting was divided in three practical sessions: i) Definition of a management strategy for the fisheries targeting Parapenaeus longirostris in the MedSudMed Project area, including a practical exercise to produce an updated assessment of this shared stock; ii) Progress toward the stock assessment of Merluccius merluccius in the MedSudMed area and iii) Discussion of the results of the activities carried out in the framework of CopeMed II working group on Parapenaeus longirostris stock for Algeria, Morocco and Spain and discussion on specific activities for the future to be implemented in the framework of the cooperative MedSudMed and CopeMed joint Working Group and a preliminary assessment using national data from Morocco for M. merluccius.
Results of the assessment carried out and revised during the meeting on P. longirostris and M. merluccius will be finished by the WG and presented at the next meeting of the SAC-GFCM working group on stocks assessment of demersal species (Chania, Crete, Greece, 24-29 October 2011).
The joint WG also agreed on activities for the next period including the co-organisation by CopeMed and MedSudMed of a third meeting of the WG with two sessions, one on M. merluccius and one P. longirostris, and a common session to discuss jointly the assessment of the identified shared stocks of the two species.

26 July 2011. Rome, Italy. CopeMed Coordinator met Mr. Conte from MiPAAF.

In the framework of the activities of CopeMed II in reinforcing the cooperation between the participating countries, the Coordinator visited MiPAAF (Ministero delle Politiche Agricole Alimentari e Forestali) to discuss with the representative of the GD of Fisheries and Aquaculture Dr. Plinio Conte, the activities of CopeMed and ArtFiMed, and to analyze the options to increase the participation of Italy in the project. Mr. Conte noted that Italy was contributing to AdriaMed, MedSudMed and EastMed. He expressed the interest of Italy in the activities of the Mediterranean projects under FAO including CopeMed II. He suggested that FAO organize a donor meeting, as already requested during the fourth Coordination Committee meeting of CopeMed II in Madrid and underlined that this was of utmost importance as coordination between donors would significantly improve on efficiency and effectiveness of the regional work. Ms. Francesca Granata from PEMAC 2-MiPAAF and Ms. M. Rais from FAO-FIRF also participated in the meeting.

18-19 July 2011. Fuengirola (Spain). First meeting of the Working Group on Parapenaeus longirostris shared stock for Algeria, Morocco and Spain (GSA 04, 03 and 01). CopeMed II and MedSudMed Subregional Demersal Working Group.

The first meeting of the working group on Parapenaeus longirostris shared stock for Algeria, Morocco and Spain was held at the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) in Fuengirola (Spain) on July 18-19, 2011. The aim was the strengthening of regional scientific cooperation, launch a joint research working group for the assessment of the sub-regional P. longirostris stock by identifying the most relevant issues and consequently formulating specific activities to be implemented within the cooperative framework of the CopeMed II Project.
The meeting gathered experts from Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Spain: the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO); the National Research Centre for the Development of Fisheries and Aquaculture (CNRDPA) of Algeria; the National Institute of Fisheries Research (INRH) of Morocco and the National Institute of Marine Science and Technology (INSTM) of Tunisia, that presented relevant information from each country on P. longirostris shared stock and prepared preliminary evaluation using different methods.

08 July 2011. Paris, France. CopeMed Coordinator met the Directeur des Pêches maritimes et de l’aquaculture in Paris.

In the framework of the activities of CopeMed in reinforcing the cooperation between the participating countries, the Coordinator Mr. Juan A Camiñas was invited by the Directeur des Pêches Maritimes et de l’Aquaculture from the French Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Rural Affaires, Mr. Philippe MAUGIN to a meeting in Paris at the DG Pêche to discuss on the activities of the project, the participation of France and the options for an extension of the French participation. In a very friendly environment the Director expressed the interest of the Ministry in the activities of CopeMed, the importance of the regional coordination and cooperation to achieve more synergies in the fisheries activities in the Mediterranean and the intention of his department in facilitate some type of support to CopeMed.
The meeting was also attended by the French national focal point and chairperson of the SAC-GFCM, Dr Henri Farrugio, the responsible of the office for European and international affaires in the DG Pêche, Mr N. Gorodetska and the Chargé de mission Affaires Internationales Mr. Ph. Maraval.

05-06 July 2011. Palermo, Italy. MedSudMed-CopeMed II Workshop on shared stocks in the Mediterranean: “Fisheries and appraisal of Coryphaena hippurus”.

The workshop on shared stocks in the Mediterranean: “Fisheries and appraisal of Coryphaena hippurus”, co-organized by the FAO CopeMed II and MedSudMed projects, was held in Palermo (Italy) on July 5-6, 2011 to discuss the cooperative work carried out on Coryphaena hippurus. The meeting gathered twelve national experts from Italy, Malta, Spain and Tunisia.
The experts from the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO); the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs of Malta; the National Institute of Marine Science and Technology (INSTM) of Tunisia; the Institute for Coastal Marine Environment (IAMC), University of Palermo, the Italian General Association of Agricultural Co-operatives (AGCI Agrital) and the Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) of Italy presented available data, research and monitoring activities on Coryphaena hippurus in the Mediterranean Sea.
CopeMed prepared or supported four documents (available on the CopeMed website) on: the activities carried out by COPEMED I (period 2000-2005); the Dolphinfish recreational fishing in the Mediterranean Sea; the Dolphinfish fisheries in Majorca Island during 2003-2010 and, a document prepared by the IEO on Dolphinfish by-catch in the Spanish Mediterranean Large Pelagic longline fisheries.

28 June 2011, Tunisie. Journée nationale de concertation pour la mise en place d’une approche stratégique de développement de la pêche artisanale en Tunisie.

• Programme Journee: (French version)  -  (Arabic version)

• CGPM: La pêche artisanale en Méditerranée: Situation générale et perspectives

• Le collectif international d’appui à la pêche artisanale (ICSF/CIAPA)

• Vers des directives volontaires pour garantir des pêches artisanales durables: Document de discussion  and  Guidelines

• Rapport de la Journée nationale de concertation pour la mise en place d’une approche stratégique de développement de la pêche artisanale en Tunisie

The Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (The General Direction of Agricultural Production -DGPA), in collaboration with l'Union Tunisienne de l'Agriculture et la Pêche (UTAP), l'Institut National des Sciences et Technologies de la Mer (INSTM) and with the support of the sub regional office of the Food and Alimentation Organization (FAO), in Tunis, and the international projects FAO-CopeMed II and ArtFiMed, organized an Artisanal Fisheries Day in Tunisia on 28 June 2011.
Aware of the challenges and the opportunities of the artisanal fisheries in Tunisia, the artisanal fisheries actors, coming from all the governorates of Tunisia, met to discus about the problems and the future of the artisanal fisheries in Tunisia.
This Day, that gave lot of room for fishermen participation, achieved to increase the public awareness of a sustainable development of the fishery sector in Tunisia, of the need of strengthen the coordination of the different partners that are taking part of this activity, and the need of proposing new actions to strength the contribution of the artisanal fisheries to improve the livelihoods and working conditions of the communities.

02 June 2011. Tangiers, Morocco. Artisanal Fisheries Day in the Moroccan Mediterranean.

The Chambre des Pêches Maritimes de Méditerranée (CPMM) will organize an Artisanal Fisheries Day in the Moroccan Mediterranean in collaboration with the Département de la Pêche Maritime (MPM), the Institut National de Recherche Halieutique (INRH) and with the support of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and CopeMed II and ArtFiMed FAO Projects.

This day is aiming to raise awareness on the role and challenges of artisanal fisheries, to strengthen coordination between the different partners involved in the sector to share experiences on best practices, to develop partnerships and to create knowledge sharing networks to identify ways that would increase the contribution of artisanal fisheries to poverty alleviation and food security.

- Read the programme

- Rapport de la Journée nationale de la pêche artisanale en Méditerranée marocaine

- Pour la promotion du développement durable de la pêche artisanale en Méditerranée depuis 1997

- ArtFiMed au Maroc (Juin 2011)

25-26 May 2011. Al Hoceima, Morocco. Progress in organizing an experimental fishing survey using 40 mm square mesh in the cod-end of a trawl vessel in Morocco.

Considering the need to improve the trawl selectivity for a sustainable exploitation of Mediterranean fisheries, the GFCM adopted the Recommendation GFCM/33/2009/2 on a minimum 40 mm mesh size in the cod-end of demersal trawl nets by 31 January 2012. CopeMed II compromised with the GFCM to study the biological and socio-economic effects of such measure in the sub region, starting in Algeria and Morocco.
The Coordinator of CopeMed II and the expert in fishing technology Mr Jacques Sacchi, visited Nador and Al Hoceima (Morocco) on 25-26 May with the aim to organise an experimental selectivity survey with a trawl fishing vessel from the port of Al-Hoceima using 40 mm square mesh in the cod-end, in cooperation with the INRH. They visited the owner of a trawler vessel at the port of Al-Hoceima (eastern coast of Morocco) discussed on the experience and took measures of the gear currently used by the fishing vessel in order to build the appropriate cod-end and cover cod-end for the selectivity experience. The INRH expert Mr Omar Kada was also participating in this technical visit to Al-Hoceima.

16 May 2011. Sicily, Italy. CopeMed participated in the 9th Coordination Committee Meeting of the FAO MedSudMed Project in Capo Granitola.

The Coordinator of CopeMed II and ArtFiMed, J. Camiñas attended the ninth Coordination Committee Meeting of the FAO MedSudMed Project “Assessment and monitoring of the fisheries resources and their ecosystems in the Straits of Sicily” was held in Mazara del Vallo-Capo Granitola (Trapani, Italy), kindly hosted by the Istituto per l’Ambiente Marino Costiero – Consiglio Nazionale per le Ricerche (IAMC-CNR) from 16 to 18 May. The Meeting was focused on the inter committee period activities and on the activities planned for the next period. The meeting was attended by delegations from the three participating countries (Italy, Malta and Tunisia) and the Italian donors, as well as by the representative of FAO-FIRF, FAO-GFCM, and of the FAO Sub-Regional Projects CopeMed II and EastMed.
Coordination between the FAO projects MedSudMed and CopeMed is really important to strengthen the countries’ capacity but also for the projects and the donor’s interest, taking into account that the countries involved in MedSudMed are also part of the CopeMed II project. Delegates of the member countries agreed in different activities for the next annual period that will be jointly coordinated and organised by the two projects.

28-29 April 2011, Madrid, Spain. 4th Meeting of the CopeMed II Coordination Committee.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the donors, Secretaria General del Mar of Spain and Agencia Española de Cooperación internacional para el Desarrollo and the European Commission, delegations from Algeria, France, Italy, Malta, Morocco, Spain and Tunisia, the GFCM, the FAO Fisheries Management and Conservation Service, Coordinators from FAO AdriaMed, MedSudMed and EastMed Projects, a representative of the FAO subregional offices in Tunisia as well as the officers from CopeMed II Project. The representative of Libya was not able to participate in the meeting due to the situation in this country.
The Secretaria General del Mar Miss Alicia Villauriz, underlined the Spanish interest in supporting the future development of CopeMed and invited the other countries from the western and central Mediterranean to support the project.
The Workplan of CopeMed II and ArtFiMed was adopted and the Committee underlined the constraints related to the incertitude for the extension of the project and the presented Workplan for the next month and supported the efforts of FAO in finding additional funding to allow the extension of the project, including the participation of other donors.

List of documents for the meeting:

• Provisional Agenda. FAO CopeMed II CC04/2011/01

• Report on the intersessional activities of the Project CopeMed II during the period May 2010- March 2011. FAO CopeMed II CC04/2011/02

• Report on the intersessional activities of the Project ArtFiMed during the period May 2010- March 2011. FAO CopeMed II CC04/2011/03

• Proposal of Priority Activities for the 4th year of CopeMed. FAO CopeMed II CC04/2011/04

• Proposal of Priority Activities for the 4th year of ArtFiMed. FAO CopeMed II CC04/2011/05

• List of Documents. FAO CopeMed II CC04/2011/06

• Provisional List of Participants. FAO CopeMed II CC04/2011/07

04 April 2011. CopeMed in the presentation of Spanish results on Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems in High Seas.

CopeMed represented FAO - FIR in this event. The Spanish Ministry of Environment, Rural and Maritime Affairs presented the results of the research carried out by the IEO and the Secretaria del Mar in different marine regions during the last decades. The Spanish Fisheries administration and the IEO are jointly working on vulnerable marine ecosystems in high seas in different experiences (NE and NW Atlantic, Namibia, SW Atlantic) to implement the 2006 UNGA 61/105 Resolution and the FAO recommendations. The multidisciplinary research include four projects in the framework of ICES, NEAF, NAFO, SEAFO regions. Opened by the Spanish Ministry of Environment, Rural and Maritime Affairs and the General Secretary of the Sea, the meeting was chaired by the General Director of Marine Resources and the Director of the IEO. Representatives from national research institution, fisheries sector, ICES and European Commission were also participating as invited speakers.

15 March 2011. Malága, Spain. Workshop on small pelagic fisheries management in the Alboran sea under the EAF (ecosystem approach to fisheries).

Organized by the project FAO CopeMed II, this meeting held on Tuesday 15 March 2011, grouped together at the headquarters of the central government of Malaga, twenty experts representing Spain, Morocco, Algeria, IUCN and FAO.
The experts from the fisheries oceanography research centers of Spain (IEO), Moroccans (INRH) and Algerians (CNRDPA) were able to present the available data on small pelagic fisheries in the Alboran Sea, and representatives of the Spanish administrations (Secretaría General del Mar and Junta de Andalucia) and the Maritime Fisheries Direction of Morocco have exposed the main management measures and monitoring of these fisheries.
Following the discussions carried out at this meeting and through the presentation of the experience of a similar process underway in the Adriatic Sea, the participants agreed that, under the sub-regional working group CopeMed II / MedSudMed Small Pelagics, a scientific working group on small pelagics in the Alboran Sea, should meet soon to continue this process of consultation on terms of reference that have been validated at this meeting.

Download: Publication TD18, Press Release.

22 February  2011. Tangier, Morocco. CopeMed Meeting with Fisheries representatives, Administration and INRH.

CopeMed and FAO officers from Rabat met with representatives of the fisheries sector, fisheries administration and INRH representatives at the Chambre des pêches Maritimes de Méditerranée in Tangier (Morocco) to discuss questions related with the activities of CopeMed II and ArtFiMed projects in Morocco.
During the meeting it was agreed that next 2 of June ArtFiMed will organise a national day on the artisanal fisheries in the Mediterranean coast of Morocco in coordination with the national representatives. The general objective of this event is to give more opportunities to the artisanal fisheries and agree on priorities that should be considered by the different administrations.
The project staff take advantage of this meeting to discuss with the fisheries sector, the administration and the INRH experts two important issues: the opportunity to carry out a pilot selectivity experience on the implementation of the 40 mm square mesh size in the trawl gears (GFCM Recommendation) and the SAC recommendations to Morocco and Spain related with the improvement of the data, sampling methodology and the assessment of Pagellus bogaraveo (voraz) in the Gibraltar Strait are. Some important advances were overtakes, particularly on the definition of the characteristics of the trawl vessel for the selectivity experience.

7 - 11 February 2011. Marseille, France. CopeMed II countries participating in SAC-GFCM.

Experts from the CopeMed II subregion representing their countries have been participating in Marseille during the 13th meeting of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the GFCM. The participants include: a representative from the Algerian fisheries administration, three from the INRH and the Moroccan Fisheries administration, a representative from the General Authority of Marine Wealth in Libya, the Director General of the INSTM and the and Director of the Centre in Sfax from Tunisia, a Resource Manager at the Agriculture and Fisheries Regulation Department (MRRA) from Malta, two experts from the IEO and two from the Secretariat of the Sea in Spain, three representatives from the Fisheries Ministry of Italy, experts from the Ifremer, the Fisheries and other Administrations in France.
The meeting was chaired by Mr H. Farrugio from France. Three of four Coordinators of the Subcommittees were also from the subregion, Mr, F. Alvarez (Spain) for the SCMEE, Mr. J. Vigneau (France) for the SCSI and Mr. F. Fiorentino (Italy), who completed the participating experts from the CopeMed II subregión. The Coordinator of CopeMed II participated also in the SAC with the other Coordinators and experts of the FAO Projects in the Mediterranean.
Meeting documents: http://151.1.154.86/GfcmWebSite/SAC/13/docs.html

7 - 11 February 2011. Marseille, France. Main activities and results of CopeMed II and ArtFiMed presented to the SAC-GFCM.

The FAO Mediterranean Projects were present during the different sessions of the 13th Session of the SAC celebrated in Marseille working in collaboration with the GFCM Secretariat.
Coordinators and the project’s staff participating in the discussion and presenting the document GFCM:SAC13/2011/Inf.22 on Major activities of the FAO regional projects. The Coordinator of CopeMed II presented the results and main activities carried out by CopeMed II and ArtFiMed by each of the main components of the two projects underlining the main achievements. The Coordinator informed that it is the last year of activities of the projects if no new funds are available during 2011.

17 January-18 February 2011. Training course on direct acoustic methods for the assessment of small pelagic species in the Mediterranean Area at the Oceanographic Centre of Palma de Mallorca (IEO).

The Algerian government will have a research vessel for the CNRDPA in 2011. From that moment on, Algerian experts should be able to assess the state of their pelagic resources using direct methods and independent of fisheries. CopeMed II organizes a basic theoretical and practical training course to assess small pelagic resources by acoustic methods. The course is organised in collaboration and with the support of the IEO (Spain) and will be held at the Oceanographic Centre of Palma de Mallorca. The course will be attended by ten experts from Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia who will participate in that course: six CNRDPA (Algeria) experts, two experts from the INRH (Morocco) and two more from INSTM (Tunisia). Professors from the IEO are in charge of the training using standard Mediterranean acoustic methodologies.

31 January-04 February 2011. FAO Mediterranean Projects present at COFI.

The FAO Mediterranean Projects, namely AdriaMed, MedSudMed, CopeMed II, EastMed, ArtFiMed, MedFisis and the GEF-supported Partnership for the Mediterranean (MED-LME) were present during the COFI meeting with a joint stand. Documents and products, including posters and flyers were available to the participants.
The Committee on Fisheries (COFI), a subsidiary body of the FAO Council, was established by the FAO Conference at its Thirteenth Session in 1965. The Committee presently constitutes the only global inter-governmental forum where major international fisheries and aquaculture problems and issues are examined and recommendations addressed to governments, regional fishery bodies, NGOs, fishworkers, FAO and international community, periodically on a world-wide basis. COFI has also been used as a forum in which global agreements and non-binding instruments were negotiated. The 29th Session of COFI takes place between 31 January and 4 February 2011.

26-29 January 2011. Salon Halieutis Agadir-Maroc, Le rendez vous du secteur Halieutique.

Extrait du Mot de M. Aziz AkhAnnouch Ministre de l’Agriculture et de la Pêche Maritime

L’organisation du salon Halieutis répond ainsi à un besoin exprimé aujourd’hui plus que par le passé. Il constitue une réelle opportunité de valoriser et promouvoir le potentiel du Royaume dans les domaines de la pêche maritime, l’aquaculture et les produits halieutiques. Il représente une occasion idoine d’échange autour des diverses préoccupations du secteur. le salon Halieutis sera aussi un point de rencontre des différents intervenants du secteur et un cadre approprié pour les rendez- vous business au niveau national et international.
More informations:
http://www.salon-halieutis.com/

25-26 January 2011. Salammbô, Tunisia. Workshop on Fisheries and appraisal of Coryphaena hippurus.

Postponed, new dates will be communicated

During the Coordination Comittee of MedSudMed (Tripoli, 18-19 May 2010), the Maltese delegate and the Tunisian representative underlined the importance of continuing the study on Coriphaena hippurus initiated in the framework of CopeMed, phase I. The Committee agreed on this activity and CopeMed II and MedSudMed organise the present workshop to activate the study of one of the resources shared between several countries in the subregion.
The workshop focuses on the cooperative work in the framework of the FAO Projects on C. hippurus. National experts of the FAO project areas will present the research and monitoring activities on C. hippurus performed at national level, as well as on data/information currently available in their country on this species. The participants will identify possible cooperative activities and progress on the characterisation of the C. hippurus stocks and fisheries. Specific activities formulated to be implemented in the cooperative framework of the MedSudMed and CopeMed II projects, within their resources and mandate.

Download Preliminary Annotated Agenda

Smoked, dried and other transformed fishing products in the fishing market of Tunis.

During a recent visit to Tunis, the Project staff observed in the fish market a variety of transformed products, mainly dried and smoked pulps, salt sardines and other local species. FAO have drawn best practice guidelines on smoked, dried and other transformed fish products focusing on the control of insect infestation, mould growth, the use of correct packaging and the preparation and processing of necessary paperwork for export/import. For more information visit the FAO Website www.fao.org.

06 déc 2010. The FAO-FIRF MedLME project organised an EAF workshop in Roma.

Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAF) “strives to balance diverse societal objectives, by taking into account the knowledge and uncertainties about biotic, abiotic and human components of ecosystems and their interactions and applying an integrated approach to fisheries within ecologically meaningful boundaries. The purpose of an EAF is to plan, develop and manage fisheries in a manner that addresses the multiplicity of societal needs and desires, without jeopardizing the options for future generations to benefit from a full range of goods and services provided by marine ecosystems”.
Mr Camiñas and Mr Bernardon from CopeMed II were participating in Rome (Italy) in this workshop on EAF. The WS was carried out by different responsible and professionals from FAO-FIRF. Experts from different countries participating in AdriaMed and CopeMed II were invited to the WS. FAO professionals from AdriaMed and MedSudMed completed the participation.

29 Nov - 2 Dec. GFCM SCMEE in Malta.

From the 29th November until the 2nd December, it will take place the following GFCM sessions in Malta:
11th session of the Sub-Committee on Marine Environment and Ecosystems (SCMEE)
12th session of the Sub-Committee on Stock Assessment (SCSA)
11th session of the Sub-Committee on Economic and Social Sciences (SCESS)
11th session of the Sub-Committee on Statistics and Information (SCSI)

Agenda, information and meeting documents

24 November 2010. Brussels, Belgium. Third meeting of the Working Group on Integrated Maritime Policy in the Mediterranean of the European Commission.

The Coordinator of CopeMed II represented the FAO in the Third meeting of the Working Group. Experts from the European Commission under the Presidency of Mdme Monique PARIAT, new Director for Mediterranean and Black Sea, Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, and from the EU and non EU Mediterranean countries, international organisations and Agreements as GGFCM, CIESM, PNUE, international representatives of the Mediterranean regions, etc., were participating in this meeting. The participants discussed on the EU Maritime Policy, Maritime Spatial Planning, the launching of a Regional Technical Assistance Project under the EU Neighbourhood Policy for Southern Countries and the Marine Knowledge 2020 project of the EU. More information on http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/mediterranean_en.html

22 - 26 November 2010. Rome (Italy). Training course on Virtual Population Analysis organised by AdriaMed.

Following the numerous requests formulated on the need to have advanced training courses on stock assessment, AdriaMed found convenient to organize a one-week training course on Virtual Population Analysis (VPA) before the GFCM Sub Committee on Stock Assessment meeting (Malta, 29 November - 3 December 2010). The training took place from 22th to 26th November, and it was open to all the scientists of the Project area as well as scientists from other areas covered by the other FAO Mediterranean Regional Projects. Experts from Morocco and Algeria attended to it.

11 November 2010. Tunis, Tunisia. CopeMed II Coordinator visited the AECID delegation.

The Coordinator of CopeMed II and ArtFiMed met Mr Guillermo Caro, General Coordinator of the AECID Offices (Spain) in Tunis. Mr Camiñas informed the AECID Coordinator on the current activities of CopeMed II and ArtFiMed, including the results of the Coordination meeting carried out at the INSTM (Salambó) with the participation of the project’ experts from Morocco and Tunisia.
Mr Caro informed Mr Camiñas that AECID is preparing a new cooperation framework with Tunisia. Mr Caro underlined that fisheries issues should be included by the beneficiary country (Tunisia) to have support from AECID. Such formal national support is convenient for an extension of the activities of CopeMed II and ArtFiMed.
Mr Caro was also interested in visiting the sites, Ghannouch and Akarit, where ArtFiMed is carrying out the activities in the Gulf of Gabès. A visit to the sites will be organised by the project in coordination with the expert Mr Elaiba.

10 November 2010. Salambó, Tunisia. CopeMed II staff meeting with the INSTM General Director.

Mr Camiñas and Mr Bernardon took advantage of the ArtFiMed Coordination meeting at the INSTM headquarters in Salambó to meet the DG Mr Ridha Mrabet and Mr Othman Jarboui. A meeting with the two national representatives was carried out to discuss different topics related with CopeMed II and ArtFiMed: the participation of experts from Tunisia in the GFCM-SAC Sub Committees in Malta; the two Tunisian experts that will participate in the acoustic course to assess small pelagic organized by CopeMed II in Palma de Mallorca (Spain) next January 2011; the support of experts from the INSTM to organise a course on red tides affecting the bivalves fisheries in the Gulf of Gabès and a training on processing and added value to fisheries products. A joint revision to an ArtFiMed Guide on the artisanal fisheries in the Gulf of Gabès was also part of the discussions.

9-10 November 2010. Tunis, Tunisia. Fourth ArtFiMed Coordination Meeting at INSTM HQ.

The fourth ArtFiMed Internal Meeting took place in Salambo (Tunisia), at the INSTM offices further the director's invitation. The objective of this meeting was to examine the level of execution of the activities in development in each of the Project places (Ghannouch and Akarit in Tunisia, and Dikky in Morocco), and to prepare the working plan for November 2010 - June 2011. The whole staff of ArtFiMed attended the meeting, Mr Mohamed Malouli Idrissi, NPP of the Project in Morocco, Mr Hamadi Elaiba, NPP of the project in Tunisia, and the staff of Malaga.

25-27 October 2010. Alexandrie, Egypt. GFCM - SAC - Transversal Workshop on selectivity improvement, bycatch reduction and alternative gears.

The aims of this workshop are to follow up on the outcomes of the transversal GFCM Working Group on selectivity improvement and by-catch reduction (Tunis, 23-25 September 2009) and on the GFCM resolution on the implementation of the 40 mm mesh size GFCM/31/2007/3.

- Information

- Agenda

- Registration Form

22 October 2010. Bouzedjar, Algeria. Progress in organizing an experimental survey using 40 mm square mesh in the codend of a trawl vessel in Algeria.

Considering the need to improve the trawl selectivity for a sustainable exploitation of Mediterranean fisheries, the GFCM adopted the Recommendation GFCM/33/2009/2 on a minimum 40-mm mesh size in the codend of demersal trawl nets by 31 January 2012. CopeMed II compromised with the GFCM to study the biological and socio-economic effects of such measure in the sub region.
The Coordinator of CopeMed II together with the consultant and expert in fishing technology Mr Jacques Sacchi, visited Algeria the 19-21 October with the aim of supporting the activities of CopeMed II in Algeria and particularly to organise an experimental selectivity survey with a local trawl fishing vessel using 40 mm square mesh in the codend, in cooperation with the CNRDPA. They visited the port of Bouzedjar (western coast of Algeria, near Oran) accompanied by the CNRDPA expert Mr M. Bouaicha and met with the owner and skipper of the boat in which the experiment will be carried out. They took measures of the different gear’s component and they agreed the dates for the experience. The CNRDPA and CopeMed II will share the whole costs of the experience.

20-22 October 2010. Palma de Majorca, Spain. GFCM - SAC - Workshop on monitoring recreational fisheries in the GFCM area.

The workshop will be a first step aimed at developing a monitoring framework for
recreational fisheries comprising biological, economic, legal and social aspects of the sub-sectors and to facilitate the future work on establishment a long term monitoring programme to provide estimations of effort, participation, types fishing, catch amount, value.

- Information

- Agenda

- Registration Form

19 October 2010. ArtFiMed Project was rewarded during the International Day for Rural Women in Tunisia.

As part of celebrations of International Day for Rural Women, ArtFiMed Project was selected for the award of creating the Day. Thus, he was rewarded for his efforts in the development of rural women in its intervention areas. Mr. Mokdad Missaoui the Governor of Gabes, has long been interested in the Project activities that have been exposed in the stand by the National Consultant and Trainers. The Governor was accompanied by several personalities including Mr. Lamine Rashid, General Secretary of the Coordinating Committee of the RCD of Gabes, M. Med Jridi Utap, who presented the award to ArtFiMed, and the CRDA.
 

18-23 October 2010. Istambul, Turkey. GFCM - SAC - Working Group on Stock Assessment on Demersal Species.

One of the objectives of the Sub-committee on Stock Assessment (SCSA) of the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) of GFCM, is to progress in the enhancement of joint practical stock assessment: scientists from different Geographical Sub-Areas (GSAs) provide their data and share them with their colleagues, using a standard methodology and analyzing together the results and options for fisheries management.

- Information

- Agenda

- Registration Form

12-15 October 2010. Rabat, Morocco. The World Food Day 2010.

Under the title Unis contre la Faim (“Together against World Hungry”), a National Seminary will be held next Tuesday 12th October at l'Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II in Rabat. The World Food Day will be also the main subject of a Ceremony organised by the National Committee next Friday 15th October. This Ceremony will take place in the Complexe Socio-Sportif de Bank Al Maghrib, Madinat Al Irfane, Rabat, at 15.30h pm. The FAO-ArtFiMed Project will be represented in this event.

7-8 October 2010. Málaga (Spain). Pelagic SRWG on shared stocks in the CopeMed II and MedSudMed area.

Postponed, new dates will be communicated

The CopeMed and MedSudMed FAO Mediterranean projects are jointly organizing the first Subregional Pelagic Working Group for the members’ countries of the two projects. The meeting will be held in Málaga organized by the IEO and the information on local arrangements will be circulating at a later stage. The provisional agenda includes issues related with: i) Shared stocks and ii) Information and appraisal on Coryphaena hippurus. The meeting will have two separated sessions, one on the revision on information available on shared pelagic stock and definition of priorities for joint research and assessment, and a second on available information at national level on Coriphaena, in relation with the countries in MedSudMed - CopeMed II area.

- Agenda

- Report of the CopeMed II meeting on the definition of priority topics related to shared resources (demersal and pelagic) in the subregion. Málaga, Spain, 29-30 April 2010

- Shared Stock Tables - PELAGICS (xls table)

22-23 September 2010. Fuengirola, Malaga (Spain). First joint assessment between Spain and Morocco on Pagellus bogaraveo from the Gibraltar Strait area.

For the first time, a joint ad hoc working group involving Moroccan and Spanish scientists was held to analyze the existing information of the Pagellus bogaraveo and assess the stock situation, as requested to CopeMed II during the last SAC-GFCM. The working group took place in the Malaga Centre of the IEO (Spanish Institute of Oceanography) and it was attended by Sadia Belcaid and Omar Kada (INRH, Morocco), Jorge Baro, Alberto García, José Luis Perez Gil and Juan Gil (IEO, Spain). The results obtained during this assessment session and the recommendations of the experts will be presented for general information to the next SCSA (SAC) meeting to be held in Malta, 29 November - 2 December.

21 September. Casablanca and Rabat, Morocco. Meeting with the INRH GD and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Direction (DPMA).

As part of the CopeMed II and ArtFiMed activities in Morocco, a meeting was organized with the active involvement of the FAO representative Mr A. Hupin and in collaboration with the DG Pêche General Directrice, Mme Driouich and the INRH Director General Mr Faik to discuss several pending issues with the FAO-CopeMed II Project Officers. This meeting permitted update previous commitments with the Moroccan fisheries authority in relation with two issues: 40 mm square mesh size research pilot survey and the organization of the artisanal fisheries journey. The meeting in Casablanca with the INRH agreed to reinforce the cooperation between the INRH under the G. Director and to listen the DG Pêche on 40 mm. The DG Pêche et Aquaculture (Rabat) proposed to carry out the selectivity survey by using the INRH research vessel and organising the artisanal meeting in Morocco during the first quarter 2011.

16-17 September 2010. Mazara del Vallo, Sicily (Italy). Demersal SRWG on shared stocks in the CopeMed II and MedSudMed area.

The CopeMed and MedSudMed FAO Mediterranean projects are jointly organizing the first Subregional demersal Working Group for the members’ countries of the two projects. The meeting will be held in Mazara del Vallo and the information on local arrangements will be circulating at a later stage. The provisional agenda includes issues related with: i) Shared stocks and ii) Effects of the closed seasons and national regulations. The meeting will have two separated sessions, one on the revision on information available on shared demersal stock and definition of priorities for joint research and assessment, and a second on available information at national level on closed season and its effects, in relation with the countries in MedSudMed - CopeMed II area.

- Agenda

- Demersal SRWG on shared stocks in the CopeMed II and MedSudMed area

- Report of the CopeMed II meeting on the definition of priority topics related to shared resources (demersal and pelagic) in the subregion. Málaga, Spain, 29-30 April 2010

13rd-17th September 2010. Sicily, Italy. CopeMed II and MedSudMed organize the first Subregional Demersal Working Group at the IAMC-CNR in Mazara del Vallo.

CopeMed II and MedSudMed jointly organized the first Subregional Demersal Working Group (SRDWG) for the members’ countries of the two projects. The meeting was held in the premises of the IAMC-CNR at Mazara del Vallo (Sicily, Italy) from 13 to 17 September. A total of 14 experts from Algeria (CNRDPA), Italy (CNR), Malta (MRRA), Morocco (INRH), Tunisia (INSTM) and the two FAO projects were participating in the meeting. The objective of the meeting was the strengthening of subregional scientific cooperation on the identification and definition of the subregion shared demersal stocks.
During two days, national experts from Morocco, Malta, Italy, Algeria and Tunisia gave presentations on the data and information available in their countries on main demersal species considering the potential use of national data for joint stocks assessment and identifying areas and species whose stocks should be addressed as shared stocks in the subregion. The group also discussed the results obtained the days before corresponding to the Parapenaeus longirostris in the Sicily channel assessment. Results of this assessment will be presented at the meeting of the SAC-GFCM working group on stocks assessment of demersal species (Istanbul, 18-23 October 2010).
In agreement with the available information during the meeting the WG prepared a list of shared stocks, including those already acknowledged as shared by the SAC and new ones: M. merlucius in the Gulf of Lions, P. longirostris and M. merlucius in Sicily channel, P. bogaraveo in the Gibraltar area, P. longirostris in Alboran Sea-Algerian sub-basin between Morocco and Algeria and P. elephas between Tunisia, Spain and Algeria. The SRDWG will present these proposals to the countries for adoption through the subregional projects.

16th September 2010. CopeMed II and MedSudMed experts visit the new Centre IAMC-CNR at Capo Granitola.

The experts participating at the CopeMed II-MedSudMed Subregional Working Group on Shared Stocks meeting celebrated at the IAMC-CNR at Mazara del Vallo (Sicily, Italy) from 13 to 17 September were invited by the Director of the new CNR Istituto per l’Ambiente Marino Costiero (IAMC) in Capo Granitola (Sicily), Dr Salvattore Mazzola to visit the premises of the new centre. The IAMC-CNR in Capo Granitola is located in an old restored tonnara (tuna trap) building in the southwest coast of Sicily. We had the opportunity to observe the extraordinary human and equipments integrating the IAMC and to converse with some of the scientist of the centre. The centre has facilities for Aquaculture, Marine Ecology and Biology, Oceanography, Biogeochemic and Acoustic. The experts from the CopeMed II and MedSudMed were informed on the different scientific research carried out in the centre and visited the laboratories and other facilities taking notes of the possibility of research cooperation with this innovative marine research centre.
The Capo Granitola Centre works on national and international projects focus on the marine ecosystems process and particularly the interactions between the environmental variables and the exploited resources for a more sustainable use.

13-14 September 2010. Palma de Mallorca. Balearic islands. CopeMed II meeting in the Oceanographic Centre of the Balearic Island (IEO) to organise a course on acoustic and prepare a document on small pelagic.

The Oceanographic Centre In Palma de Mallorca (Balearic islands) created in 1906 by Odon de Buen, is one of the most important in the Mediterranean. The centre is focused on top marine research in oceanography, marine biology, biochemist and the relationship between the environment and the exploitation of the resources. In this last research area the Palma Laboratory is well acknowledge in the European Union as one of the key centres in the evaluation of the small pelagic stocks by acoustic methods. Scientists from the Lab have been involved in teaching acoustic methodologies to African, European and South American experts.
In the framework of the CopeMed II subregional training activities on fisheries science and subregional cooperation between Research Institutes, last 13-14 September the Coordinator Mr. Camiñas visited the centre and discussed with the Director Mr. Masutti and the coordinator of the course Mr. J Miquel the contents for a basic and practical course on acoustic for small pelagic evaluation that will be supported by CopeMed II. Beneficiaries will be 10 fisheries scientist from Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia who will be participating in Spain in this course during around one month from January 2011. Mr Camiñas was also working with Mr Alvarez and reviewing the draft pilot plan on small pelagic in the Alboran sea prepared by the expert for CopeMed II.

22th July 2010. Malaga (Spain). Ad hoc scientific working group between Morocco and Spain on Pagellus bogaraveo in the Strait of Gigraltar.

The objective of this meeting is to strengthen scientific cooperation between Spain and Morocco, to improve knowledge and management of water resources in the Strait of Gibraltar. This working group will focus on biology and ecology, study of fisheries, joint research programs, campaigns, joint stock assessment and management plan and management of fisheries.

Spanish information about the red seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) fishery in the Strait of Gibraltar Region

Agenda.

Meetings documents:

- Sistema de localización y seguimiento de Embarcaciones pesqueras

- Análisis de la Pesquería de Voraz y Especies sociadas en el Estrecho de Gibraltar

- La pêche artisanale à la Dorade rose Pagellus bogaraveo à Dikky (Maroc), dans la région du détroit de Gibraltar

5th July 2010. Malaga (Spain). CopeMed II and ArtFiMed Meeting at the Projects headquarters with IUCN Med.

The objective of this meeting is to strengthen collaboration between IUCN Med and FAO CopeMed II ArtFiMed Projects in traditional fisheries areas of support, the study of species and shared stock, marine protected areas and management of Mediterranean fisheries.

14-18 June 2010. Course on Technological Advances in Fishing Gear for Sustainable Management.

Twenty-nine experts from nine Mediterranean countries and the EC and Argentina met in Zaragoza (IAMZ/CIHEAM) to follow a course on fishing gears selectivity. Experts from several CopeMed II countries attended the course: Morocco (DPMA, INRH), Tunisia (UTAP, INSTM, MARH, IRESA), Algeria (MPRH), France, Italy and Spain. The Coordinator of CopeMed II was participating in the course as invited lecture. Mr. Luis Esteruelas, Director IAMZ/CIHEAM closed the course during a ceremony in which the course certificates were distributed to the participants.

1st-2nd June 2010. Istanbul (Turkey).

The CopeMed II and ArtFiMed Fishery officer, has participated to the Extraordinary Meeting of National Focal Points for Specially Protected Areas and the Meeting of National Correspondents for the Strategic Action Programme for the Conservation of Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean region (SAP BIO).

18th-19th May 2010, Libian Arab Jamahiriya. 8th MedSudMed Coordination Committee Meeting.

The 8th Coordination Committee Meeting was kindly hosted by the Marine Biology Research Centre of Tajura. The Meeting was focused on the inter committee period activities and on activities to be planned for the next 12 months. The meeting was attended by delegations from the four participating countries (Italy, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malta and Tunisia), as well as by a representative of the Italian Donor, the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department and the FAO General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean and Black Sea.

6th-7th May 2010. CopeMed II Third Coordination Committee meeting.

The third meeting of the Coordination Committee reviewed the aims and results achieved during the last year by ArtFiMed and CopeMed II, the pilot project on artisanal fishing that takes place in Tunisia and Morocco and CopeMed II coordinates. The coordination committee meeting was also an occasion to discuss and plan a possible extension of the project.

29th-30th April 2010. CopeMed II meeting on the definition of priority topics related to shared resources (demersal and small pelagic) in the subregion in Malaga.

Following the indications of the Coordination Meeting, CopeMed II started the organisation of the working groups of demersal species and small pelagic of CopeMed II meeting in Malaga, the next 29 and 30 April.

Agenda and documents for the meeting can be downloaded here.

19th-20th April 2010. Athens, Greece. EastMed Inception Meeting.

EastMed, “Scientific and Institutional Cooperation to Support Responsible Fisheries in the Eastern Mediterranean – EastMed” is a project under the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department that enter into duty the last September. The Coordinator Konstantina Karlou-Riga is organised the Inception Meeting in Athens, Greece the 19 and 20 April 2010. EastMed will support the development of regionally-consistent fisheries management plans among the Eastern Mediterranean countries through the monitoring of commercial fisheries and the developing of fishery research and management capacity. The project is planned to run for five years. Greece, Italy and the Directorate General for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs of the EC have already confirmed their support to the project. The project headquarters are based in Athens, Greece.

- EastMed Inception Meeting report

14th-17th April 2010. Athens, Greece. GFCM, 34th Commission Meeting.

National Delegates from the CopeMed II countries participating in the ordinary GFCM Commission Meeting and in the COC (Committee on Compliance) were present during the sessions held in Athens. CopeMed II Coordinator and the other FAO Project’s Coordinator were participating and supporting activities of the GFCM Secretariat.

- Report of the GFCM 34th Session.

3rd April 2010. Kotor, Montenegro. CopeMed II and ArtFiMed Coordinator attended the 11th Coordination Meeting of AdriaMed.

Representing CopeMed II and ArtFiMed, Juan Antonio Camiñas participated in Kotor (Montenegro, 3-4 March 2010) at the 11th Coordination meeting of AdriaMed. The meeting has served to strengthen cooperation between the two projects and discuss about activities to organize in common. The discussions focused mainly on reviewing the activities realized and a technical proposal for the expansion of AdriaMed presented by the Project Director, Enrico Arneri.

More information:http://www.faoadriamed.org.

March 2010: Preparation of a protocol for the experiences of the 40 mm square mesh size selectivity.

From the discussions held during the meeting of the sub regional Working Group on the implementation of the 40 mm square mesh size, the Project cared of the preparation of a Protocol for the experiences of selectivity that could be common for all the countries and that will include the basic needs and methodologies for undertaking this kind of campaign. The experts Jacques Sacchi and Jorge Baro have worked to prepare this CopeMed II protocol which is already in its final editing phase.

Protocols for a Mediterranean Pilot Selectivity Trawl Survey: TD9

16th February 2010. Rabat, Morocco. Meeting in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Direction (DPMA).

Juan Antonio Camiñas and Matthieu Bernardon travelled to Rabat where they met with the Moroccan fishery authorities to discuss the pilot plan for the implementation of the 40 mm mesh in the trawl fleets. The meeting was held at the Fishery and Aquaculture Direction and was chaired by its Directrice Ms Driouich. The purpose of the meeting was to review various points of interest between the Moroccan authorities and CopeMed II, of which a scientific pilot campaign on the selectivity of 40 mm square mesh applied to demersal trawling fleets. The meeting was attended by representatives of the DPMA, the General Director of the INRH, the FAO Representative in Morocco and members of the Projects ArtFiMed and CopeMed II.

Report of the Workshop "Protocols for a Mediterranean Pilot Selectivity Trawl Survey": TD08

Rapport de la rencontre sur la pêche artisanale en la méditerranée marocaine: TD13

25th-29th January 2010. Kotor, Montenegro. Experts from several Mediterranean countries visiting the Kotor Marine Laboratory.

During the celebration of the annual SAC meeting in Budva (Montenegro, 25-29 January) a group of FAO experts and SAC Delegates from several countries, the Chairperson of the SAC Dr. H. Farrugio and the four Coordinators of the Sub Committees visited Kotor Center of Marine Research. Under the direction of Dr. Aleksandar Joksimovic, Director of Institute of Marine Biology the experts visited the Center departments and conversed with the Institute experts.

10th-15th January 2010: Mediterranean and Black sea FAO Projects Coordination Meeting in Rome.

Juan A Camiñas and Matthieu Bernardon have participated to the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Mediterranean and Black Sea Coordination Meeting from 13 to 15 January 2010 in Rome (FAO). The representatives of the different projects/activities presented the objectives, partners, and main activity lines and results of their work: EastMed, K. Karlou-Riga; CopeMed II, J. A. Camiñas; AdriaMed, N. Milone; ArtFiMed, M. Bernardon; Support desert aquaculture in Algeria (TCP/ALG/3103), V. Crespi; FAORNE, P. Manini; Southern European countries Project, Budapest FAO officer; MedSudMed, L. Ceriola; GFCM Aquaculture, M. Camilleri; MedFisis and LME Strategic partnership for Fisheries, P. Barros. The meeting was an opportunity to reinforce the cooperation and synergies between the different projects and to organize under a coordination strategy the activities for the next period. A new coordination meeting will be organizing in July 2010.

January 2010: Review of the GFCM Glossary.

By request of the GFCM, CopeMed II promised in 2009 to undertake the revision of the Glossary. This document was prepared in 2003 by CopeMed during the first Phase, needing an update. CopeMed II contracted a consultant (Dr. J. Lleonart) who realized the revision. The revised document was submitted to the SAC meeting held in Budva (Montenegro, 25-29 January 2010) and will be discussed by the GFCM in its 34th meeting in Athens (14-17 April).

More information:
(http://151.1.154.86/GfcmWebSite/GFCM/34/GFCM34_2010_inf.17-e.pdf)

 year: 2009

4th December 2009: Meeting of Coordination Committee of the GFCM Sub-Committees in CopeMed II headquarters (Malaga).

After the end of the regular sessions of the forth SAC Sub-Committees in Malaga (Spain), the Coordination Committee meeting of the Sub-Committees took place, with the participation of the GFCM’ Secretary, President and Vice-president of SAC, coordinators of Sub-Committees and experts of FAO and regional projects AdriaMed, ArtFiMed, CopeMed II, EastMed, MedSudMed and MedFisis.

30th November - 3rd December 2009: SAC Anual Meeting of GCPM Sub-Committees in CopeMed II headquarters.

Regular sessions of the forth SAC Sub-Committees took place in CopeMed II headquarters from November 30th to December 3rd 2009. CopeMed II supported local organisation and meetings with the participation of its experts as technical support to Environment, Economy and Social Sciences Sub-Committees.

November December 2009: Participation of experts from Algeria (CNRDPA) in the acoustic assessment carried out by the IEO (Spain) in western Mediterranean region.

Two Algerian experts have participated in the campaign ECOMED of the IEO on board of the Oceanographic ship Cornide de Saavedra during the period 24/11/09 and 19/12/09. The objective of the training on board was to familiarize with the standard techniques for assessment of small pelagic species using acoustic methods.

More information:
Évaluation des Ressources Pélagiques ECOMED2009

November 2009: Representatives of Fisheries Administration of Algeria, IEO (Spain) and expert of CopeMed II met to strength collaboration.

The Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO), the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and FAO-CopeMed II Project, met in Malaga with Representatives of Administration in Algeria to establish fishery cooperation basis. Participants were: Director of Investigation, Farid Harouadi, Naia Bouhafs and Larbi Kadri; deputy General Director of IEO investigation, Eduardo Balguerías and Director of IEO in Malaga, Jorge Baro; representative of AECID projects in Algeria, Antonio Alaminos and Juan Antonio Camiñas and Matthieu Bernardon from CopeMed II.

26th-27th October 2009: Meeting in Tunisia with General Direction for Fisheries and General Director of INSTM, and visit of ArtFiMed headquarters in Gabes.

Juan A. Camiñas and Matthieu Bernardon met in Tunisia with the General Director of Fisheries Dr. Missaoui and staff member Mrs Belkaia. Then, they visited the INSTM, where they disccused with the General Director Dr. Ridha MRabet and they travelled to Gabes with the NPP of ArtFiMed Mr. Elaiba. In Gabes, the Day of Traditional Fishery was celebrated, organised by ArtFiMed and the General Direction of Fisheries.

10th-11st September 2009. Malaga, Spain. CopeMed II Workshop on Protocols for a Mediterranean Pilot Selectivity Trawl Survey (Experimental application for the implementation of the 40 mm square mesh size GFCM Resolution to the trawl fleet in Morocco).

During the 33rd session the GFCM adopted the Recommendation GFCM/33/2009/2 on a minimum 40-mm mesh size in the codend of demersal trawl nets by 31 January 2012. CopeMed II compromised with the GFCM and the project’ Members to study the biological and socio-economic effects of such measure in the sub region and organise a meeting of experts in Malaga (Spain). The purpose of the workshop waqs to agree with experts the CopeMed II countries on selectivity protocols in order to implement a pilot survey during 2009 in Morocco to analyse the biological and economic effects of the implementation of the 40 mm square codend mesh size in trawl fleet as determined by the GFCM/31/2007/3 Resolution. A second objective of the workshop was to make possible the organization of new pilot surveys in other CopeMed II countries. Experts from Algeria, France, the EC, Morocco, Spain and Tunisia participating in the Workshop.