Recommendation concerning the authorization of the use of remotely operated vehicles within the framework of national scientific research programmes on red coral (REC.CM-GFCM/40/2016/7).

This Recommendation of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), introduces measures to protect red coral. The use of remotely operated vehicles (ROV) shall be strictly limited to observation for scientific purposes and shall only be authorized by the CPCs in the context of research programmes led by national scientific institutions until 31 December 2017. Such authorization shall be without prejudice to stricter measures adopted or maintained by the CPCs. The commercialisation of red coral harvested within research programmes led by national scientific institutions shall be strictly forbidden. Future use of ROVs shall be assessed by the GFCM.