Mediterranean and Black Sea countries share a vision for sustainable aquaculture

Representatives from over 30 countries gathered on 5 December in Heraklion, Greece, at the “Shaping the future of aquaculture in the Mediterranean and Black Sea Region,” conference. The two-day event is the region’s largest regional aquaculture conference. Organized by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Greece, with the financial support of the European Union, it marked a pivotal moment for the future growth of the aquaculture sector.

Within the context of the  goals and objectives set out in the GFCM 2030 Strategy,  the conference reviewed the progress achieved since the inaugural regional conference held ten years ago in Bari, Italy, and deliberated on how to embrace innovation and sustainability, boost resilience and unlock the full potential of aquaculture in the region to achieve and surpass those goals.

Aquaculture is becoming increasingly vital for food security, employment and economic development in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions. Over the past decade, the sector has witnessed remarkable growth, with marine and brackish water aquaculture production soaring by 91 percent and revenues climbing by 74 percent.

A shared vision

Participants at the conference articulated a shared vision for the future, taking into consideration major regional and global challenges, including rising global food insecurity faced by a growing population, climate change, pollution, biodiversity degradation and economic instability.

“A new vision for the sustainable development of aquaculture is taking shape today. Let this conference mark a significant milestone in our journey. Building on its conclusions, we will reflect on how to best address challenges, ensuring that our actions benefit aquaculture and the local communities that depend on it,” said Charlina Vitcheva, Director General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, European Commission.

High-level decision-makers and stakeholders, including aquaculture experts and representatives from research and academia, international, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, producers and aquaculture farmer associations from across the region and beyond, shared ideas and experiences through a series of keynote speeches, panels and side events. Participants included small-scale farmers, as well as the newly created Network of Women in Aquaculture, born out of a GFCM initiative to empower women in the sector.

“Aquaculture is a pillar of development for our country and for the wider Mediterranean region. Through our convergences and decisions, we lay the foundations for a sustainable and resilient sector that innovates and respects its natural environment. I am confident that the cooperation of all stakeholders will help us make aquaculture a lever of innovation, sustainability and progress for our country and for the entire Mediterranean," commented Konstantinos Tsiaras, Minister of Rural Development and Food, Greece.

Ten years of remarkable progress

During the event, participants reviewed the impressive progress made by the sector in the last decade, including the many national and regional advances made towards enhancing the sustainability of the sector, such as the development of national aquaculture strategies and the increased engagement of farmer associations. Highlights include the increase from 30 to 73 percent of the GFCM contracting parties that have  allocated zones for aquaculture ,and that the percentage of the GFCM contracting parties that have undertaken  development of environmental monitoring programmes has risen from 23 percent to 60 percent. Moreover, the different Aquaculture Demonstration Centres established in Egypt, Romania, Tunisia, Türkiye – with a new centre foreseen to be created in 2025 in Bulgaria – have been providing education to thousands of participants.

“The strong representation of the regional aquaculture community at the conference is an important step towards the sustainable development of the sector. Our approach, at the GFCM, encompasses all dimensions of sustainability, from governance and social aspects to environmental stewardship and economic growth. Our contracting parties have a shared vision for the future, deeply rooted in their common goals and aspirations, but also aligned with the realities aquaculture farmers face every day,” said Miguel Bernal, GFCM Executive Secretary.

“Aquaculture is to be regarded as a transformative solution to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. From enhancing food security to fostering innovation and advancing sustainability, the potential of aquaculture is immense,” said Nabil Gangi, FAO Deputy Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia. “Together we can ensure that aquaculture remains a cornerstone of food security and sustainable development for generations to come, including in this region.”

Five priorities for sustainable aquaculture by 2030

Enhancing food security remains a priority, reaffirming aquaculture’s role in providing accessible, affordable and nutritious food to meet a growing global demand, while supporting local economies and reducing reliance on imports. At the same time, promoting ecosystem-based growth is crucial to support aquaculture practices that integrate ecosystem approaches towards ensuring social and environmental resilience, while enhancing biodiversity and restoring marine ecosystems. Additionally, strengthening governance and stakeholder collaboration is essential to enhance the harmonization of regulatory frameworks with global standards and actively involve stakeholders, including small-scale producers and local communities, to foster equitable decision-making and cross-border cooperation. The adoption of innovative practices, such as climate-adapted species, integrated multitrophic aquaculture and advanced systems to address climate change impacts and ensure long-term sustainability, is also an important driver to further promote climate resilience and innovation. Finally, ensuring social responsibility and inclusiveness is critical to empowering local communities, prioritizing gender equity, improving worker welfare, and promoting youth participation to create a more inclusive and socially responsible aquaculture sector.

As contracting parties in the region discuss the conclusions of the conference, it is expected that these outcomes will guide the GFCM and its members in defining new national and regional strategic actions for the sustainable development of aquaculture, including in the context of the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference and the next MedFish4Ever Declaration.