Recommendation GFCM/35/2011/5 on fisheries measures for the conservation of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) in the GFCM area of application.

Contracting parties and cooperating non-contracting parties shall implement fisheries management measures which strongly mitigate or eliminate the risk of incidental catch of monk seals in fishing operations. The taking on board, transshipment and landing of monk seals is prohibited, unless otherwise required to rescue and to secure assistance for the recovery of harmed individual animals. Specimens of monk seals accidentally caught in fishing gear shall be released unharmed and alive. Any event of incidental catch as well as releasing or discarding shall be recorded by the ship-owner/master in the logbook. Contracting parties and cooperating non-contracting parties shall provide to the GFCM Secretariat the related maps and geographical positions identifying the location of already known, past and current monk seal caves, with information on fishing fleets using bottom-set nets registered in the ports close to the caves locations within a maximum range of 20 nautical miles.