Spotlight on Fish Forum 2024 – Last week, the city of Antalya, Turkey, was the scene of an event of global resonance: the Fish Forum 2024. More than 400 delegates from 47 countries gathered with a common goal: to expand the boundaries of science for effective and sustainable fisheries management in the Mediterranean and Black Sea. Organised by the General Commission for Fisheries in the Mediterranean (GFCM) of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), and hosted by Turkey’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry with the financial support of the European Union, the forum has established itself as the most influential scientific meeting in the region on fisheries and related topics.
During the five days of conferences, panels, workshops and exhibitions, the forum offered a unique platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas between experts. The work focused on the latest scientific, environmental, oceanographic and socio-economic findings, aiming at a better application of this knowledge to the concrete challenges of the sector.
Miguel Bernal, Executive Secretary of the GFCM, emphasised the importance of science and stakeholder dialogue in the organisation’s decisions. This year’s event placed special emphasis on scientific requirements for future management plans, exploring how to strengthen the interface between science and policy, address new international agreements and improve cooperation and coordination between research institutes.
The urgency of adopting a robust and integrated scientific approach was highlighted by the increasing pressure on fisheries due to demand for fish products, human activities and the vulnerability of ecosystems. The forum’s contribution to the UN Decade of Ocean Sciences for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) confirms its crucial role in addressing these challenges globally.
Among the key issues addressed, climate change received particular attention, considering the region is warming at a rate 20% faster than the global average. The creation of a network of climate experts dedicated to Mediterranean and Black Sea fisheries was one of the main initiatives, aiming to improve knowledge of the effects of ocean warming and develop adaptation strategies.
The event also promoted the establishment of a cooperative regional network of fisheries research institutes, aiming for greater collaboration to address future challenges and promote innovation.
A distinctive aspect of the forum was its commitment to inclusiveness, involving young scientists and researchers and rewarding their significant contributions. Furthermore, the focus on the inclusion of persons with disabilities in fisheries-related activities underlined the importance of a more accessible and equitable sector.
In conclusion, Fish Forum 2024 marked an important step towards the realisation of the GFCM’s 2030 Strategy for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture. The support of international partners and the endorsement of the FAO Blue Transformation vision reflect a collective commitment to leave a legacy of healthy and rich seas for future generations, strengthening the path towards sustainability and innovation in the fisheries sector.
Spotlight on Fish Forum 2024
