Report of the Fortieth Session of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (Gfcm)

The fortieth session of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) was marked by unprecedented full attendance, with all the Mediterranean and Black Sea riparian states present together in a regular session. During the session, the Commission granted cooperating non-contracting party status to Bosnia and Herzegovina in light of its increasing involvement in GFCM activities and as a preliminary step towards full membership in due course. In addition, within the framework of ongoing cooperation with partner organizations, a memorandum of understanding was signed with OceanCare. The Commission was encouraged to further strengthen cooperation, including by providing technical assistance to contracting parties and cooperating non-contracting parties, which would underpin compliance and contribute to the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.