Researchers from the IRBIM CNR of Mazara del Vallo took an active part in the recent Subregional Committee for the Central Mediterranean (SRC-CM), organized by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM). The meeting, held in Palermo in a hybrid format from 8 to 10 April 2025, brought together experts, researchers and policymakers to discuss the main issues related to the sustainable management of fisheries in the Central Mediterranean. It was an important opportunity for technical discussion, updating on the state of fish resources and sharing recommendations aimed at improving fisheries governance in line with GFCM strategies.
During the event, IRBIM CNR researchers provided significant contributions on various topics. In particular, Fabio Falsone presented an update on the state of demersal resources in the Strait of Sicily, while Germana Garofalo illustrated a preliminary study on the effectiveness of Fisheries Restricted Areas (FRAs) in the region. Matteo Barbato highlighted the ecological importance of Essential Habitats for Fishery Resources in support of management activities, while Michele Luca Geraci presented the results of a selectivity survey conducted as part of an FAO Tender, aimed at reducing unwanted catches in trawling of crustaceans. Two experimental fishing nets, one equipped with sorting grids and another with a T-90 bag, were compared to a commercial net.
The IRBIM CNR team was also involved in other relevant sub-regional technical activities. In the field of spatial management, Valentina Lauria presented a study on the identification of the last hotspots of the critically endangered bamboo coral species Isidella elongata, fundamental for the conservation of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems in the Central Mediterranean.
Regarding vulnerable species, Fabio Fiorentino and Sergio Vitale reviewed current management measures to mitigate by-catches of elasmobranchs, offering an updated overview of existing approaches. In addition, Germana Garofalo contributed to the discussion with a presentation on the PROSHARKS project, a PRIN-funded initiative, which addresses the urgent need to fill knowledge gaps and protect threatened coastal shark species living on the edge of extinction in this region.
Sub-regional Committees (SRCs) play a crucial role within the CFCM’s operational framework, offering a technical platform to support sustainable fisheries management at sub-regional level. Their mission is to provide technical advice to the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), assess progress in fisheries management through the analysis of national data and existing measures, and propose improvements or alternative strategies based on regional needs. They are also in charge of drafting future work plans and addressing new challenges in line with GFCM’s strategies.
Importantly, the work of these committees — including the implementation of action plans and the identification of sub-regional priorities — is actively supported by the MedSea4Fish project, which ensures a collaborative, science-based approach to the long-term protection of Mediterranean fishery resources.