Scientific Cooperation to Support Responsible Fisheries in the Adriatic Sea

1° Meeting of the AdriaMed Working Group on the Definition of Priority Topics Related to Small Pelagic Resources of the Adriatic Sea

EVENTS & NEWS
(Split, Croatia 12-13 October 2000)

 
Background of the Project Component

In line with the Project aim of strengthening joint research and regional management of shared fishery resources, this Working Group (WG) should mainly focus on small pelagic fish resources by identifying the most relevant issues and consequently formulating specific activities to be implemented within the cooperative framework of the AdriaMed Project.

 
Aims

The main aim is the strengthening of regional scientific cooperation through the organization of an international WG of experts on priority topics related to the shared small pelagic resources of the Adriatic Sea. The most of commercial small pelagic species constitute shared stocks. The comprehension of the pattern by which stocks are shared between countries is a central issue. Therefore, it would be desirable to produce and assemble evidence on the nature of shared stocks, which may depend on the movement pattern, and, on a practical level, the interaction with fishing fleet/gear.

 
Organisational Approach

An ad hoc WG whose activity will be organised in several sessions. The WG will consist of regional experts and it will be open to external, qualified contributions. It will be coordinated by an experienced scientist from the region assisted by the AdriaMed staff. Initially, the WG will consider a list of target commercial species which are thought to constitute shared stocks. Consequently, should the available scientific evidence be uncertain or insufficient, available information (e.g. research data, fishery statistics, etc.) from each country will be cooperatively used for analysis. Important gaps in the scientific knowledge of some shared stocks, which cannot be filled with the existing information, will be highlighted and research proposals drawn up.

 
Output

It is expected that from the WG activities an improved definition and assessment of commercially important shared stocks will be obtained through strengthened regional scientific cooperation. Proposals for joint research priorities will be elaborated where needed. Technical advice for cooperative fishery management of shared resources will be formulated.

Description and objectives of the Working Group

 
Description

The WG is established within the so-called AdriaSHARE Project component (“Report of the 1st Meeting of the AdriaMed Coordination Committee”, GCP/RER/010/ITA/TD-01, refers). The WG has the practical and operative objectives of:

  • Considering the available information and knowledge on how these resources are shared between countries/fishing fleets;

  • Reviewing and highlighting the gaps in the scientific knowledge of small pelagic stocks which are relevant for their management;

  • Envisaging possible ways to achieve through regional scientific cooperation an improved understanding of the links between environmental variables and pelagic fishery production in the Adriatic Sea.

Proposing activities of regional scientific cooperation to be carried out within AdriaMed framework.

 
Topics to be addressed by the Working Group

The following topics are proposed for consideration in the Agenda of the WG:

  • Listing of target shared stocks/fisheries by Adriatic Sea Geographical Management Units;

  • Status of the available knowledge on the ecology and population dynamics of the main shared stocks also with reference to their seasonal and spatial distribution pattern by size/age in territorial and international waters;

  • Current identification of, and knowledge on, critical areas for spawning and recruitment of shared resources which may require the adoption of management measures;

  • Dynamics of the fishery exploitation exerted by fishing fleets/gear of the countries sharing the resources;

  • Knowledge of the relationships between life cycles of small pelagic species and environmental characteristics of the Adriatic Sea system;

  • Justification for the preparation of a synopsis on the biology and fishery exploitation of the main shared species of the Adriatic Sea.

   
Output and follow up

The WG identified the main and priority issues concerning the biological knowledge and fishery management aspects of the shared small pelagic stocks of the Adriatic Sea. Consequently, practical formulation of joint activities was elaborated by the WG, inclusive of methodological approach, to be implemented by the AdriaMed Project within its resources and mandate. The work programme for the future WG activities was established. A report was prepared by the Secretariat in cooperation with the nominated Chair of the meeting.

 
Participants

The WG is attended by:

  • AdriaMed;

  • FAO-AdriaMed Secretariat;

  • External qualified experts may also be invited;

  • The AdriaMed Project supports the attendance at the meeting of two nationals from each country; other participants on their own funds are welcomed.

 
Venue

Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split (Croatia).

 
Date

12-13 October 2000.

 
Working Parers

A support paper, to be included in the WG meeting final report, reviewing the status of each country research and fishery on small pelagics is requested.

 
Organization

The WG was organised by the FAO–AdriaMed Project and Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, with the collaboration of the AdriaMed’s National Focal Points.

 

 

 

© FAO-AdriaMed project  - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Fisheries and Aquaculture Department
(room C353)  Viale delle Terme di Caracalla - 00153 Rome -Italy- ::: tel  +39 06 570 56092/55467 ::: fax +39 06 570 55188 - 

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