Brussels is discovering a rebound in fish populations in the Mediterranean although the mortality rate remains high

Fish numbers in the Mediterranean and Black Sea are recovering “slowly”, according to the European Commission, which warned that the mortality rate is still “very high”. For this reason, he called for “sustained efforts” to restore species and ecosystems. Brussels made this statement in a statement adopted today on sustainable fishing in the EU, which analyzes the situation and includes guidelines for 2025.

In the case of the Mediterranean and Black Sea, Brussels recognized that fishing deaths were at their lowest levels, but also said they were still 20% higher than the recommended sustainability rate. “Greater commitment and sustained efforts are needed to allow key species and ecosystems to fully recover,” the European Commission concluded in a statement.

Overall, the Commission considers that the sustainability of EU fisheries continues to improve “gradually” and that fewer stocks are suffering from overfishing. “At the same time, more efforts are needed to ensure the resilience of the fishing sector and the long-term sustainability of key species in all sea basins,” Brussels said.

Climate change affects fishing communities

The European Commission document also shows that fishing communities continue to be affected by climate change, which leads to “uncertainty due to the reduced availability of the fish stocks on which they depend to sustain their food.” “This is also the case for communities that depend on overexploited populations,” says Brussels.

“Furthermore, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing has an impact on fishermen’s access to adequate resources,” he added. “More efforts are needed to combat it, thus ensuring compliance with conservation and monitoring measures, including those involving countries outside the Union.” “European”.

The Community’s Executive Committee intends to present its proposals later on the fishing possibilities for 2025 in the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea.