The eighth session of the virtual AdriaMed Working Group of Demersal Fisheries Resources (WG-DEM) was dedicated to the Vulnerability Assessment (VA) of Adriatic fisheries to climate change. The meeting was held virtually on Skype on 8th June 2020. Following the presentation of the methodology for the implementation of the VA to climate change on the small pelagic fish and demersal fisheries in the Adriatic in the WG-DEM in October 2019, the team working on this task launched an online survey to engage with national experts in the assessment to receive feedback on the process. The preliminary results were discussed during the meeting and next steps agreed upon.        

 

             

The fifth session of the virtual AdriaMed Working Group of Demersal Fisheries Resources was dedicated to the "Stock assessment of priority and non priority species". The meeting was held virtually on Skype on 28th May 2020 and focused on: i) the update of the MEDITS survey in GSA 18 (South Central Adriatic Sea) and ii) the preliminary stock assessment of Mullus barbatus, Parapenaeus longirostris and Eledone cirrhosa in the Adriatic Sea. The experts agreed on a roadmap to further progress and finalize the evaluation of these three stocks.    

 

             

The fourth session of the virtual AdriaMed Working Group of Demersal Fisheries Resources was dedicated to the "Progresses in the monitoring plan on Jabuka/Pomo Pit FRA". The meeting was held virtually on Skype on the 26th May 2020 and focused on preliminary stock assessment of Merluccius merluccius; Lophius spp.; Illex coindetii. A roadmap to further proceed to the update assessment of M. merluccius as well as the preparation of the assessment on data limited stock like Lophius spp. and Illex coindetii in the area was agreed upon.      

 

             

The third session of the virtual AdriaMed Working Group of Demersal Fisheries Resources was dedicated to the "Progresses in the monitoring plan on Jabuka/Pomo Pit FRA". The meeting was held virtually on Skype on 22nd May 2020 and focused on the analysis of the MEDITS surveys data collected in the FRA. Besides the summer MEDITS survey, particular attention was given to the analysis of the winter surveys carried out at the beginning of March 2019 and 2020 in the Jabuka/Pomo Pit FRA.        

 

             

The second session of the virtual AdriaMed Working Group of Demersal Fisheries Resources was dedicated to the "Progresses in the monitoring plan on Jabuka/Pomo Pit FRA". The meeting was held virtually on Skype on 20th May 2020, and focused on the analysis of AIS data taken in the area. The intensity of fishing activities by zones in the Jabuka/Pomo pit FRA as derived by AIS data were illustrated. The experts agreed to further progress and refine the analysis for understanding the possible displacement of fishing effort in and around the FRA.        

 

             

The decision to convene the AdriaMed Working Group on Demersal Fisheries Resources in the Adriatic Sea through virtual meetings was taken to cope with the emergency situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The overall aim of the meetings was to address problems related to the cancellation or postponement of field research activities and/or meetings planned. The meetings, given the virtual nature of the consultation, were organized over several sessions in the period 18 May-8 June 2020. Overall eight (8) sessions were organized and each session was devoted to a specific topic: Progress in the monitoring plan on Jabuka/Pomo Pit FRA (session 1-4) session 1) UnderWater Television surveys; session 2) AIS data analysis; session 3) MEDITS surveys in GSA 17; session 4) Stock Assessment of Merluccius merluccius; Lophius spp.; Illex coindetii; Stock assessment of priority and non priority species (session 5-7) session 5) Stock Assessment (roadmap forr Mullus barbatus; Parapenaeus longirostris; Eledone cirrhosa); session 6) roadmap for Solea 1 (otolith exchange results)** reserved to the Study Group on Solea otoliths; session 7) roadmap for Solea 2: towards the benchmark assessment of Solea solea; Vulnerability Assessment of Adriatic fisheries to climate change session 8) Vulnerability Assessment of Adriatic fisheries to climate change and Introduction to the SSF University Day initiative.  

 

             

The first session of the virtual AdriaMed Working Group of Demersal Fisheries Resources was dedicated to the "Progresses in the monitoring plan on Jabuka/Pomo Pit FRA". The meeting was held virtually on Skype on 18th May 2020 and focused on the UnderWater Television surveys (UWTV). The UWTV survey is one of the methods included in the GFCM Monitoring plan (2018-2020) for the Jabuka/Pomo Pit FRA. During the session, an outline of the UWTV surveys performed, as well as of data available so far was provided. An update on the progresses and trials towards the stock assessment of Nephrops norvegicus was also given.      

 

             

The AdriaMed - GFCM skype meeting on progresses towards the benchmark of small pelagics in the Adriatic Sea was held virtually via SKYPE on 21 April 2020. The group i) revised the progresses made on the pending issues emerging from the 3rd joint AdriaMed-GFCM data preparation meeting (February 2020); ii) agreed to continue to work on line; iii) agreed to the possibility that, due to the current situation, also the final steps of the benchmark will have to be conducted on line.        

 

             

The 3rd Joint AdriaMed-GFCM Meeting on data preparation for the benchmark of small pelagics in the Adriatic Sea was held at FAO HQs on 4-6 February 2020. The overall objective of these meetings was to prepare the input data in view of the benchmark stock assessment on anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sardine (Sardina pilchardus) of the Adriatic Sea organised in the framework of the GFCM - Working Group of Stock Assessment of Small Pelagic Species.    

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Demersal Fishery Resources in the Adriatic Sea (WG-DEM) was held on 24-25 October 2019in FAO-HQs, Rome, Italy. Research participating institutions from Albania, Croatia, Montenegro Italy and Slovenia attended the meeting. The WG-DEM discussed and defined the work plan for the next period: 1) to update the emerging needs and priorities of the fisheries Research Institutions on data processing and analysis of the shared demersal stocks of the Adriatic Sea; 2) to follow up on the GFCM Recommendation GFCM41/201/3 on the establishment of a Fisheries Restricted Area in the Jabuka/Pomo Pit area, by setting a meeting of the Study group on Jabuka/Pomo Pit before the GFCM SubRegional Committee of the Adriatic Sea (May 2020) to update on state and results of the monitoring plan; 3) to proceed with the appraisal and stock assessment of demersal stocks. A series of scientific contributions stemming from the work of the WG-DEM, were jointly prepared and presented at the GFCM Working Group on Stock Assessment of Demersal (November 2019).      

 

             

The annual AdriaMed Working Group on Small Scale Fisheries in the Adriatic Sea (WG-SSF) was organized and held on 22-23 October 2019, FAO HQs, Rome. The meeting: i) progressed on the mapping exercise on small scale fisheries initiated in the framework of the AdriaMed Project in 2017/2018 and agreed to prepare a joint scientific paper with the data collected so far; ii) progressed on Recreational Fisheries with the identification of possible common criteria for the preparation of a joint contribution on the interactions between SSF and RFs (to be presented to the forthcoming GFCM WG RFs; iii) defined a joint proposal to contribute to the SSF University; iv) followed up on the on-going activities on non indigenous species (NIS) with the LEK II protocol and on a specific tailored survey based on LEK for Callinectes sapidus; v) contributed to the assessment of vulnerability to climate of fisheries launched in the Adriatic; and vi) planned future activities.      

 

             

The Project organized, in cooperation with the GFCM, the 2nd Meeting on data preparation for the benchmark of small pelagics in the Adriatic Sea. The meeting aimed at preparing the input data in view of the benchmark session on anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sardine (Sardina pilchardus) of the GFCM - Working Group of Stock Assessment of Small Pelagic Species (May 2019). During the meeting, the experts made further progresses to solve pending or unsolved issues before the benchmark.    

 

             

The Project organized, in cooperation with the GFCM, the 1st Meeting on data preparation for the benchmark of small pelagics in the Adriatic Sea. The meeting aimed at preparing the input data in view of the benchmark session on anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sardine (Sardina pilchardus) of the GFCM - Working Group of Stock Assessment of Small Pelagic Species (May 2019). The meeting: i) defined some parameters and assumptions to be used for the benchmark assessment (ageing; growth parameters, potential models and time series); and ii) agreed on a time frame to solve possible pending or unsolved issues before the benchmark.  

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Small Pelagic Fisheries Resources was held on 30 October 2018 at FAO-HQ, Rome, Italy. All the Project participating institutions (from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro Italy and Slovenia) were invited and attended the meeting. The work of the meeting was preparatory and functional for the next GFCM Working Group on Stock Assessment of Small Pelagic Species (19-23 November 2018) and for the GFCM benchmark assessment planned in 2019.        

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Demersal Fishery Resources in the Adriatic Sea (WG-DEM) was held on 8-9 October 2018 in FAO-HQs, Rome, Italy. Research participating institutions from Albania, Croatia, Montenegro Italy and Slovenia attended the meeting. The WG-DEM reviewed the outcomes of the i) Study Group on intercalibration of demersal fish otolith reading (Mullus barbatus andSolea solea); ii) Working Group on Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF); iii) Study Group on Jabuka/Pomo Pit; iv) Study Group on Demersal Fisheries Resources. The WG-DEM addressed the request from the GFCM-SAC to provide sub-regional stock assessment on priority species, by giving particular attention to the preparatory work in support of the GFCM benchmark assessment of European hake (Merluccius merluccius) planned for 2018.  

 

             

The AdriaMed Study Group on Demersal Fisheries Resources (SG-DEM) was held on 13th September 2018 kindly hosted by the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries of Split (Croatia). The meeting was attended by scientists from the fisheries research institute of Albania, Croatia, Italy, Montenegro and Slovenia. The SG- DEM, inter alia, with its practical work, has been conceived to contribute to the discussion on the state of fish stocks during the AdriaMed Working Group on Demersal Fisheries Resources (WG-DEM). The SG-DEM focused on the preparatory work for the stock assessment of European hake (Merluccius merluccius) in the Adriatic Sea, in view of the latest adoption of the 20th -SAC workplan that foresees a benchmark assessment of hake in GSA 17- 18 in 2018. The outcomes of this SG-JP will be presented at the next Adriamed Working Group on Demersal Fisheries resources (October 2018).      

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Small Scale Fisheries in the Adriatic Sea (WG-SSF) was held on 12-13 July 2018 GFCM-HQs, Italy. Representatives of fisheries institutions from Albania, Croatia, Montenegro Italy and Slovenia attended the meeting. The WG focused on the revision of the activities carried out on invasive species as well as on small scale fisheries and recreational fisheries in the past year. The experts identified practical joint specific activities to be elaborated by the WG-SSF, inclusive of methodological approach, and to be implemented in the cooperative framework of the AdriaMed Project. The future activities include, inter alia, the publication of the maps of distribution of effort of small scale vessels, the continuation of monitoring of the occurrence of new species in the Adriatic Sea according to the Local Ecological Knowledge method, as well as a data collection programme, on a pilot scale, on Recreational Fisheries. In light of the forthcoming “GFCM High Level meeting on Small Scale Fisheries” (September 2018), the participants agreed on the contribution that the Working Group will bring to the meeting.        

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Demersal Fishery Resources in the Adriatic Sea (WG-DEM) was held on 24-25 October 2017 in FAO-HQs, Rome, Italy. All the Project participating institutions (from Albania, Croatia, Montenegro Italy, Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina) was attended the meeting. The WG-DEM was focused on: i) Identifying priorities and needs for the Adriatic region; ii) Facilitating the coordination at Adriatic level of different research activities; iii) Addressing the request from the GFCM-SAC to provide sub-regional stock assessment on priority species; iv) Fostering technical discussion on fisheries management plans at Adriatic level, with particular focus on the Jabuka/Pomo Pit area.        

 

             

All the Project participating institutions (from Albania, Croatia, Montenegro Italy and Slovenia) attended the meeting, including experts from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The WG-SSF focused on the activities carried out in the past years in the Adriatic Sea on invasive species and on small scale fisheries. The experts identified joint activities to be elaborated by the WG-SSF, inclusive of methodological approach, to be implemented in the cooperative framework of the AdriaMed Project. The joint activities included, inter alia, the monitoring of the occurrence of new species in the Adriatic Sea, the mapping of SSF activities, an overview of the current situation of Recreational Fisheries in the Adriatic region. In the View of the forthcoming “GFCM Working Group on Small Scale Fisheries and Recreational Fisheries” (September 2017), the participants agreed on the contribution that the WG-SSF could provide to the working group.        

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Demersal Fishery Resources in the Adriatic Sea (WG-DEM) was held on 19-20 October 2016 in FAO-HQs, Rome, Italy. All the Project participating institutions (from Albania, Croatia, Montenegro Italy, Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina) was attended the meeting. The WG-DEM was focused on: i) Identifying priorities and needs for the Adriatic region; ii) Facilitating the coordination at Adriatic level of different data collection requirements; iii) Addressing the request from the GFCM-SAC to provide sub-regional stock assessment on priority species; iv) Fostering technical discussion on fisheries management plans at Adriatic level; v) Initiate discussion on Recreational Fisheries.        

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Small Pelagic Fisheries Resources was held from 4th to 6th October 2016 kindly hosted by the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries of Split, Croatia. All the Project participating institutions (from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Italy and Slovenia) was attended the meeting. The agenda items was focused on: i) the research activities (surveys, studies, projects, programmes) in the Adriatic Sea; ii) the work carried out by the Study Group on intercalibration of fish otolith reading (SG-OTH); iii) the coordination at Adriatic level of different data-collection requirements; iv) the appraisal of the stock status of small pelagic fisheries resources; v) the relevant issues from the GFCM-SAC work plan; vi) the identification and review of priorities and needs for the Adriatic region and proposals for specific activities to be implemented within AdriaMed framework.        

::Provisional Agenda

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Demersal Fishery Resources in the Adriatic Sea (WG-DEM) was held on 11-12 November 2015 Ljubljana, Slovenia kindly hosted by the Fisheries Research Institute of Slovenia. All the Project participating institutions (from Albania, Croatia, Montenegro Italy and Slovenia) was attended the meeting. The WG-DEM was focused on: i) Identifying priorities and needs for the Adriatic region; ii) Facilitating the coordination at Adriatic level of different data collection requirements; iii) Addressing the request from the GFCM-SAC to provide sub-regional stock assessment on priority species; iv) Fostering technical discussion on fisheries management plans at Adriatic level. During the WG, the results of the Study Groups on GSA 17 (North and Central Adriatic) and GSA18 (South Adriatic Sea) was presented and discussed.        

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Small Pelagic Fisheries Resources was held from 28th September to 2nd October 2015 kindly hosted by the Institute of Marine Biology of Kotor, Montenegro. All the Project participating institutions (from Albania, Croatia, Montenegro Italy and Slovenia) was attended the meeting. The meeting was organized in two sessions: working session (hands-on session to progress and finalize the stock assessment initiated in the WG-SP meeting in July 2015) and session 2 to review the research activities, programmes and activities carried out at Adriatic level, to identify and review the priorities and needs and to formulate proposal for future activities. The outcomes of the session 1 of the Working Group on Small Pelagic Fisheries Resources held in Split, Croatia, 14-16 July 2015, was presented and used as basis to finalize the stock assessment exercise initiated in Split.        

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Small Pelagic Fisheries Resources was held on 14-16 July 2015 kindly hosted by the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries of Split (Croatia). All the Project participating institutions (from Albania, Croatia, Montenegro Italy and Slovenia) attended the meeting. The meeting, a hands-on session, focused on the revision of the database on small pelagics in the Adriatic Sea. The revision work was done at national level: each country checked and consolidated a final dataset for both anchovy and sardine. All the revised national datasets were put together in the Adriatic dataset on small pelagics.        

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Small Scale Fisheries in the Adriatic Sea (WG-SSF) was held on 16-17 December 2014 in Split, Croatia kindly hosted by the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries of Split. All the Project participating institutions (from Albania, Croatia, Montenegro Italy and Slovenia) was attended the meeting. The WG was focused on the revision of the priorities identified by the AdriaMed Technical meeting on Small Scale Fisheries held in October 2013 in Kotor (Montenegro). Consideration was given to the identification of practical formulation of joint specific activities to be elaborated by the WG-SSF, inclusive of methodological approach, to be implemented in the cooperative framework of the AdriaMed Project. In light of the forthcoming “Second Regional Symposium on Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Mediterranean and Black Sea” (Algeria, May 2015) fostered by GFCM, the participants was called to discuss on the contribution that the Working Group could provide to the symposium.        

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Demersal Fishery Resources in the Adriatic Sea (WG-DEM) was held on 7-9 October 2014 in FAO-HQs, Rome, Italy. All the Project participating institutions (from Albania, Croatia, Montenegro Italy and Slovenia) was attended the meeting. The WG-DEM was organised over three days and was focused on: i) Identifying priorities and needs for the Adriatic region; ii) Facilitating the coordination at Adriatic level of different data collection requirements; iii) Addressing the request from the GFCM-SAC to provide sub-regional stock assessment on priority species; iv) Fostering technical discussion on fisheries management plans at Adriatic level; v) Promoting discussion on the effects of management measures on the fisheries resources (e.g. fishing ban); vi) Facilitating the discussion for the development of indicators and reference points for fisheries management which may be considered at regional level in line with the EC Marine Strategy Framework Directive in the Adriatic Sea; and vii) Identifying training needs. During the WG, the results of the Study Groups on GSA 18 and GSA 17 was discussed and joint analysis of data is foreseen.        

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Small Pelagic Fisheries Resources was held on 30 September-3 October 2014 in FAO-HQs, Rome, Italy. All the Project participating institutions (from Albania, Croatia, Montenegro Italy and Slovenia) was attended the meeting. The agenda items was focused on: i) Identify priorities and needs for the Adriatic region; ii) Coordinate and organize joint surveys; iii) Facilitate the coordination at Adriatic level of different data-collection requirements; iv) Address the request from the GFCM-SAC to provide sub-regional stock assessment on priority species; v) Review the work carried out by the Study Group on DEPM (SG-DEPM); vi) Review the work carried out by the Study Group on intercalibration of fish otolith reading (SG-OTH); vii) Foster the technical discussion on fisheries management plans at Adriatic level. The Working Group (WG) initiated a joint exercise for the stock assessment of sardine and anchovy by jointly analyzing the data on small pelagics made available by all the Adriatic researchers. Research priorities and training needs was identified and a workplan for the future year was defined.        

 

             

Small-scale fisheries traditionally represent an important share of the fisheries sector in the Mediterranean and Black Sea and their considerable role in the region has long been recognized. They have the potential to contribute significantly to food security, economic growth and rural development and to provide valuable employment opportunities. This is why there is a genuine and widespread interest in securing their sustainable development in the whole region. Small-scale fisheries are characterized by a great diversity and represent different values and ways of life. They are important vectors of local knowledge and good practices for co-management and they have a low environmental impact. However, there is sparse information at the regional level on their production volumes and socio-economic dimension as well as on their contribution to sustainable development and to the preservation of marine ecosystems. Small-scale fisheries are characterized by a great diversity and represent different values and ways of life. They are important vectors of local knowledge and good practices for co-management and they have a relatively low environmental impact. However, there is sparse information at the regional level on their production volumes and socio-economic dimension as well as on their contribution to sustainable development and to the preservation of marine ecosystems.        

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Demersal Fishery Resources in the Adriatic Sea (WG-DEM) was held on 23-25 October 2013 in Kotor (Montenegro) kindly hosted by the Institute of Marine Biology of Kotor. All the Project participating institutions (from Albania, Croatia, Montenegro Italy and Slovenia) was attend the meeting. The WG-DEM was organised over three days and was focused on the revision of the: i) knowledge and information on demersal stocks in the subregion; ii) work carried out by the “Study Group on the use of bottom-trawl survey data for stock assessment in the South Adriatic Sea (GSA18)”; iii) and the joint appraisal of some selected demersal species. The WG-DEM was also continued to discuss the issue of indicators and reference points at sub-regional level, also considering EC Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Attention was paid to the activities related to the GFCM-SAC requests.        

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Small Scale Fisheries in the Adriatic Sea (WG-DEM) was held on 21-22 October 2013 in Kotor (Montenegro) kindly hosted by the Institute of Marine Biology of Kotor. All the Project participating institutions (from Albania, Croatia, Montenegro Italy and Slovenia) attended the meeting. The WG focused on the revision of the priorities identified by the AdriaMed Technical meeting on Small Scale Fisheries held in November 2012 in Split (Croatia). Consideration was given to the issues raised by the GFCM-SAC and CAQ for 2012-13 specifically referring to small scale fisheries and those actions/activities which may contribute to SAC/CAQ tasks was identified and agreed upon. In the light of the forthcoming “First Regional Symposium on Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Mediterranean and Black Sea” (Malta, 27-30 November 2013) organized by GFCM, the participants were called to discuss on the contribution that the Working Group could provide to the symposium.        

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Small Pelagic Fisheries Resources was held on 14-18 October 2013 in Durrës (Albania) kindly hosted by the Laboratory of Fisheries and Aquaculture of Durrës (Agricultural University of Tirana, Albania). All the Project participating institutions (from Albania, Croatia, Montenegro Italy and Slovenia) was attended the meeting: it was organized in different session. One working session was devoted to discuss the progress of the Study Group on intercalibration of fish otolith reading (SG-OTH) and the intercalibration exercise initiated do far by the Adriatic experts on sardine otoliths. A second session was devoted to review the work carried out by the Study Group on Daily Egg Production Method (DEPM) on the revision of the DEPM protocol and the evaluation of spawning biomass for anchovy. Particular attention was given to the request made by the GFCM SAC to provide sub-regional stock assessment on priority species. The Working Group (WG) initiated a joint exercise for the stock assessment of sardine and anchovy by jointly analyzing the data on small pelagics made available by all the Adriatic researchers. Research priorities and training needs was identified and a workplan for the future year was defined.        

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Adriatic Sea Small-Scale Fisheries was held on 13-14 November 2012 in Split (Croatia), kindly hosted by the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries of Split. The meeting was aimed at: 1) reviewing the Current knowledge and status of small-scale fisheries (SSF) in Adriatic countries, and the Existing monitoring systems for or programmes focussing on SSF; 2) identify the SSF exploitation dynamics and interaction with other fisheries; 3) identify the Main gaps and priorities concerning SSF and their management; 3) at outlining of a possible joint work-programme to be implemented at regional level in the Adriatic. The WG was open to experts from institutes and/or organizations in the countries involved in the AdriaMed project. Each country provided a national report for discussion.        

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Small Pelagic Fisheries Resources was held on 1-5 October 2012 in Ljubljana (Slovenia), kindly hosted by the Fisheries Research Institute of Slovenia. The meeting was organised in two different sessions. The first session was focused on the work of the Study Group on DEPM and to proceed with the joint appraisal of eggs and larvae data (survey 2012). The Working Group was focused then on the appraisal of small pelagic stocks in the Adriatic Sea. The programmes underway and the priorities for the participating countries was reviewed. Activities related to the GFCM-SAC requests was also discussed. The training needs and other joint specific activities to be elaborated and implemented in the cooperative framework of AdriaMed was addressed.        

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Demersal Fishery Resources in the Adriatic Sea was held on 17 - 19 September 2012 in Fano (Italy) kindly hosted by the Laboratory of Marine Biology of Fano (University of Bologna). The meeting was organised over three days and was focused on topics related to the demersal fisheries resources in the Adriatic Sea, in particular: i) knowledge and information on demersal stocks will be reviewed; ii) the further development of the AdriaMed Trawl Surveys Information System (ATrIS) was be considered and iii) specific activities implemented or to be implemented within the AdriaMed framework was identified. In addition, the results of the AdriaMed “Study Group on the use of bottom-trawl survey data for stock assessment in the South Adriatic Sea (GSA18)” and the appraisal of some selected demersal species in GSA 17 was discussed and agreed on. The WG was continued to discuss the issue of indicators and reference points at sub-regional level, also considering EC Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Attention was paid to the activities related to the GFCM-SAC requests. The meeting was attended by experts from all the research institutes that are participating in the Project’s activities on demersal fishery resources.        

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Demersal Fishery Resources in the Adriatic Sea was held on 3 - 6 October 2011 in Durrës (Albania) kindly hosted by the Laboratory of Fisheries and Aquaculture of Dürres (Agricultural University of Tirana). The meeting was organised over four days with a pre-session in order to finalize, review and discuss the work which began during the AdriaMed “Study Group for the application of bottom-trawl survey data to fish stock assessment in the South Adriatic Sea (GSA18)” for presentation in the context of the Working Group meeting. The Working Group participants presented the results of the surveys carried out in 2010/2011, the WG also focused on the appraisal and stock assessment (standard and alternative methods) of demersal stocks and the results obtained to date. The programmes underway were reviewed and the work carried out by the AdriaMed Study Group on GSA 18 was presented. The WG further discussed the issue of indicators and reference points that could be considered at regional level, also considering EC Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Attention was paid to the activities related to the GFCM-SAC requests. The Participants established the joint, specific activities to be carried out within the framework of the Project in the coming period. The meeting was attended by experts from all the research institutes that are participating in the Project’s activities on demersal fishery resources.        

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Small Pelagic Fisheries Resources was held from 27 to 30 September 2011 in Ancona (Italy) kindly hosted by the Institute CNR - Istituto Scienze Marine (ISMAR) of Ancona. A working-training session began the Working Group meeting, in which updated data on small pelagic fish stocks were analysed and stock assessment methods were applied. The preliminary results were discussed by the experts present from all the institutions which participate in the Project activities on small pelagic resources (Albania, Croatia, Montenegro Italy and Slovenia) The results of the surveys carried out in 2011 were presented (echosurveys in GSA 17 and GSA 18; DEPM in GSA 18). The WG discussed Progress on data collection and the establishment of a Common Database. Activities related to the GFCM-SAC requests were also discussed and the needs for training as well as other joint, specific activities to be elaborated and implemented in the cooperative framework of AdriaMed were established.        

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Small Pelagic Fisheries Resources was held from 11 to 15 October 2010 in Split (Croatia) kindly hosted by the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (IOF) of Split. All the Project participating institutions (from Albania, Croatia, Montenegro Italy and Slovenia) was attended the meeting that was organized in a three-day working session. Particular attention was given to the joint assessment of small pelagics biomass applying the DEPM method for GSA 18, the joint exercise for the stock assessment of sardine and anchovy in GSA 17 and 18 and the discussion on the ongoing and future activities to be organized in the framework of the AdriaMed Project.        

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Demersal Fishery Resources in the Adriatic Sea was held on 21-22 September 2010 in Fano (Italy) kindly hosted by the Laboratory of Marine Biology of Fano, University of Bologna. The meeting will focus on the appraisal and stock assessment (standard and alternative methods) of demersal stocks and on indicators and reference points which may be considered at the regional level. In addition the demersal surveys in the Adriatic Sea (including the AdriaMed trawl survey) as well as the investigation in deep Adriatic Sea waters will be discussed. Attention will be paid to the activities related to the GFCM-SAC requests. Finally specific activities to be implemented within AdriaMed framework will be discussed like documents to be finalized or training needs to be identified. The meeting will be attended by experts from the Agricultural University of Tirana (Albania), the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries of Split (Croatia), the Institute of Marine Biology of Kotor (Montenegro), the Fisheries Research Institute of Ljubljana (Slovenia), ISMAR-CNR of Ancona (Italy), COISPA (Italy) and the Laboratory of Marine Biology of Fano (Italy).        

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Small Pelagic Fisheries Resources was held on 23-24 October 2009 in Ancona (Italy) kindly hosted by the ISMAR-CNR of Ancona. All the Project participating institutions (from Albania, Croatia, Montenegro Italy and Slovenia) were attending the meeting: it was organized in a two-day working session to discuss the progress made on monitoring activities. Particular attention was given to the ongoing and future Project activities, the established AdriaMed Coordinating Team on Echo Survey; the involvement and cooperation with the MEDIAS programme; and the request made by the GFCM SAC to provide sub-regional stock assessment on priority species. The Working Group (WG) began a joint exercise for the stock assessment of sardine and anchovy by jointly analyzing the data on small pelagics made available by all the Adriatic researchers.        

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Shared Demersal Fishery Resources in the Adriatic Sea was held from 23 to25 June 2009 in Split (Croatia) kindly hosted by the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries of Split. The main objectives of the meeting were focused on topics related to the demersal fisheries resources in the Adriatic Sea; in particular paying attention to the request from the GFCM-SAC to provide joint stock assessment of hake (Merluccius merluccius) and associated species, on the AdriaMed investigation in deep sea waters of South Adriatic Sea, on the updating of the list of priority species in the Adriatic Sea and on the AdriaMed international bottom trawl survey. The meeting was organized in a two-day working session to apply the Survey Based Assessment (SURBA) method to the data made available by the Adriatic researchers for the stock assessment of hake and associated species and a third day aimed at discussing the results obtained and the ongoing and future Project activities.      

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Shared Demersal Fishery Resources in the Adriatic Sea was held on 18th-19th June 2008 in Kotor (Montenegro) kindly hosted by the Institute of Marine biology of Kotor. The main aims of the meeting were focused on topics related to the demersal fisheries resources in the Adriatic Sea; in particular on the review the knowledge and information on demersal stocks, on the activities related to the GFCM-SAC requests (identification and compiling of a list of priority species by GSAs, stock assessment of hake,        

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Shared Small Pelagic Fishery Resources in the Adriatic Sea was held on 17th June 2008 in Kotor (Montenegro) kindly hosted by the Institute of Marine biology of Kotor. The main aims of the Working Group focused on the review the knowledge and information on small pelagic stocks, on the activities related to the GFCM-SAC requests (identification and compiling of a list of priority species by GSAs, and Operational Units). Moreover the specific activities to be implemented within AdriaMed framework were discussed. The meeting was attended by experts from the Agricultural University of Tirana (Albania), the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries of Split (Croatia), the Institute of Marine Biology of Kotor (Montenegro), the Fisheries Research Institute of Ljubljana (Slovenia), ISMAR-CNR of Ancona (Italy), the Arpa Puglia (Italy) and the Laboratory of Marine Biology of Fano (Italy).        

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Demersal Fishery Resources in the Adriatic Sea was held on 29th-30th March 2007 in Rome (Italy) at FAO HQ. The main aims of the meeting were focused on topics related to the demersal fisheries resources in the Adriatic Sea; in particular on the AdriaMed trawl survey 2006, on the AdriaMed Trawl Information System (ATrIS) application, on the Operational Units, on the activities related to the GFCM-SAC requests and on the training courses that the Project is organizing. The meeting was attended by Adriatic experts from the Agricultural University of Tirana (Albania), the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries of Split (Croatia), the Institute of Marine Biology of Kotor (Montenegro), the Fisheries Research Institute of Ljubljana (Slovenia), ICRAM of Chioggia (Italy), ISMAR-CNR of Ancona (Italy) the Laboratory of Marine Biology of Bari (Italy) and the Laboratory of Marine Biology of Fano (Italy).        

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Shared Small Pelagic Fishery Resources in the Adriatic Sea was held on 15th-19th May 2006 in Ancona (Italy) kindly hosted by the “Istituto di Scienze Marine” (CNR-ISMAR) of Ancona. The meeting was attended by Adriatic experts from the Fisheries Research Institute of Durres (Albania), the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries of Split (Croatia), the Institute of Marine Biology of Kotor (Serbia-Montenegro), the Fisheries Research Institute of Ljubljana (Slovenia), the Laboratory of Marine Biology of Fano (Italy) and the host institute.        

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Demersal Fishery Resources in the Adriatic Sea was held on 26th-28th April 2006 in Fano (Italy) kindly hosted by the Laboratory of Marine Biology of Fano. The main aims of the meeting were focused on topics related to the demersal fisheries resources in the Adriatic Sea; in particular on the AdriaMed trawl survey 2006, on the definition of nursery and spawning areas of some demersal species of the Adriatic Sea and on the biological and economic indicators and reference points which may be considered at regional level. The meeting was attended by Adriatic experts from the Fisheries Research Institute of Durres (Albania), the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries of Split (Croatia), the Institute of Marine Biology of Kotor (Serbia-Montenegro), the Fisheries Research Institute of Ljubljana (Slovenia), ISMAR-CNR of Ancona, the Laboratory of Marine Biology of Bari (Italy) and the host institute.        

 

             

No info available.        

 

             

The AdriaMed Working Group on Share Demersal resources in the Adriatic Sea met in Zagreb, Croatia, on 15th and 16th September 2004. Concerning the important issue of nursery areas and sensitive habitats of key stocks, the Working Group reviewed available data and information on key-species and it discussed the formulation of scientific advice for fishery management. Final arrangements for the 2004 survey were dealt with, experience gained from previous surveys was discussed and if necessary applied to the third phase; the possibility of routine trawl surveys in the future was also put to the Meeting. The WG identified and selected the Indicators and their associated Reference Points to be used and tested by species/species group and fisheries.        

 

             

The meeting was held on the 30th June and 1st of July in Italy and was hosted by the Laboratory of Marine Biology of Bari. The Working Group aimed to review the knowledge and information on small pelagic stocks particularly as accrued in the last years of AdriaMed activities. The use and integration of available small pelagic assessments and related information was discussed and on the basis of research and assessment work carried out on small pelagic stocks of the Adriatic Sea, possible options for their fishery management and planning was also considered.        

 

             

No info available.        

 

             

No info available.        

 

             

No info available.        

 

             

The Meeting of the AdriaMed Working Group on Shared Demersal Fishery Resources was held on 12-13 March 2004, hosted by the Laboratory of Marine Biology of Fano (Italy). The following topics were discussed: Activities related to the GFCM-SAC requests; Demersal resource appraisal (standard stock assessment and possible alternative options); AdriaMed trawl surveys 2003 and 2004 (review, planning, data handling); Indicators and reference points which may be considered at regional level; Identification and applicability of Operational Units to Adriatic Sea fisheries; Montenegrin participation in the AdriaMed framework.        

 

             

No info available.        

 

             

No info available.        

 

             

No info available.        

 

             

No info available.        

 

             

No info available.        

 

             

The activities planned, together with the AdriaMed Working Groups related to the issue of small pelagics and demersal shared fishery resources of the Adriatic Sea, have been,or are being currently implemented. So far, within the Project’s framework, the following topics have been dealt with: Data Collection and Biological Sampling System on Small Pelagics in the Adriatic Sea: the programme is being implemented, the sampling network has been established, and the first on-the-job training session has been completed. Preparation of a critical review of the current knowledge and available data sets on demersal resources: a collection and a review of available knowledge and information on demersal species are presently being attended to. Inventory of the historical data sets and time series of abiotic and biotic variables available at the IOF-Split. Identification and definition of Geographical Management Units in the Adriatic Sea: a regional proposal was presented to the GFCM-SAC. Operational Units in the Adriatic Sea: a first regional approach was performed, focusing on the small pelagic fishing fleet. Bibliographic review of the hake stock assessments in the Adriatic Sea. Identification of Population Units in Adriatic Sea Shared Stocks by Genetic Structure Analysis: the programme is being implemented as scheduled, and on-the-job training sessions have been carried out. AdriaMed bottom trawl survey: This is expected to be occur in October and November 2001. Regional training course on fish population dynamics and stock assessment: carried out at the IOF-Split, 10-29 September 2001. One of the key-elements of AdriaMed is that the appraisal of shared fishery resources must be done jointly and in cooperation with the scientific institutions of the countries concerned. So far, on several occasions, the Adriatic Region has turned out to be an area in which effective regional scientific cooperation is progressing. At this stage of the project, it is necessary to go forward with concerted actions in consideration of the priority topics identified by the regional scientists at the AdriaMed Working Group meetings. A number of issues still need to be addressed, considered, and acted upon. Among other issues, these might briefly be as follows: Formulating a Workplan for the identification of management options for the critical habitat of the Pomo/Jabuka Pit. Appraisal of small pelagic resources of the Adriatic, also taking into consideration the recent GFCM-SAC issues and the review of the progress of the on-going AdriaMed Small Pelagic programme will also be considered. Establishing and developing a regional approach/strategy for the appraisal of demersal fishery resources and for the consequent formulation of advice for fishery management. Further use of available information at the regional level for fishery biology and resource appraisal purposes, and for environment-fishery resource relationships. On the basis of the above and in order to develop as much as possible a collective plan of work, it is advisable to hold an ad hoc meeting. Such a meeting should be informal in nature and practical in its content. The proposed dates are the 17th and 18th of October, 2001. The venue will be at the Laboratory of Marine Biology and Fishery in Fano (Italy). Agenda of the meeting: The schedule of the meeting and some of the possible topics are indicated below: October 17 - morning: Formulation of a work plan for the Pomo/Jabuka area. October 17 - afternoon: Demersal resources (including GFCM-SAC issues) -Short and medium term planningAspects of the bottom trawl survey. October 18 - morning: Small pelagic resources (including GFCM-SAC issues) -Short and medium term planningAdria-SP implementation (also based on the review of the 1st interim report).        

 

             

No info available.        

 

             

No info available.        

 

             

In line with the Project aim of strengthening joint research and regional management of shared fishery resources, these Working Groups (WG) should mainly focus on shared demersal and small pelagic fishery resources of the Adriatic Sea. The Joint Working Groups Meeting is the follow up of the AdriaMed Working Groups on shared demersal resources and small pelagic resources and of the Project Coordination Committee deliberations. Objectives of the meeting This meeting was mostly focused on the research activities to be carried out within the AdriaMed framework, in particular on the programmes: Identification of biological unit of Adriatic Sea shared stocks based on genetic structure analysis. International bottom trawl survey in the Adriatic Sea . Pilot fishery statistics and biological sampling network in the Adriatic Sea. Identification of management options for the Pomo/Jabuka Pit critical habitat. Training activities on fishery resources assessment. Special attention was given to: Outcome of the GFCM-SAC Working Group meeting on the Management Units Definition and Limits (Alicante 23-25 January 2001). Issues of the GFCM-SAC requirements for the forthcoming SCSA Working Group on small pelagic and demersal species. Discussion on the Operational Units in the Adriatic in order to formulate a regional approach and practical contribution to the next GFCM-SAC meeting on the definition of Operational Units in the Mediterranean Sea. Participants The WG was attended by: AdriaMed relevant scientific counterparts from each country participating in the Project (Regional Experts); FAO-Staff; FAO-AdriaMed Secretariat. Venue Laboratory of Marine Biology, Bari, Italy. Date 13th-15th February 2001. Organization Organization The WG was organised by the FAO–AdriaMed Project and the Laboratory of Marine Biology, with the collaboration of the AdriaMed’s National Focal Points.        

 

             

No info available.        

 

             

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.        

 

             

In line with the Project aim of strengthening joint research and regional management of shared fishery resources, this Working Group (WG) focuses mainly on demersal resources by identifying the most relevant issues and consequently formulating specific activities to be implemented within the cooperative framework of the AdriaMed Project. The Adriatic Sea constitutes one the few exceptions within the Mediterranean where the shelf area extends beyond territorial into international waters. Many commercial species constitute or will constitute shared stocks, but sound scientific evidence is somewhat fragmentary. It is necessary to comprehend the pattern by which some stocks are shared between countries. 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. This is an ad hoc WG whose activity will be in several sessions. The WG consists of regional experts and it is 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. The main aim is the strengthening of regional scientific cooperation through the organization of an international Working Group of experts on the identification and definition priority topics related to shared demersal resources of the Adriatic Sea shared stocks. The Working Group is established within the so-called Adria-SHARE 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: Identifying and defining shared demersal resources and related fisheries of the Adriatic Sea; 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 shared demersal stocks which are relevant for their management; Proposing activities of regional scientific cooperation to be carried out within AdriaMed framework. The WG will identify the main and priority issues concerning the biological knowledge and fishery management aspects of the shared demersal stocks of the Adriatic Sea. Consequently, practical formulation of joint activities will be 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 will be established. A report of the meeting will be prepared by the Secretariat in cooperation with the Chairman. 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. The WG was attended by: AdriaMed relevant scientific counterparts from each country participating in the Project (Regional Experts); FAO-AdriaMed Secretariat.