Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/5 on a multiannual management plan for sustainable demersal fisheries in the Adriatic Sea (geographical subareas 17 and 18).

This Recommendation lays down rules for the establishment of a multiannual management plan for sustainable demersal fishing activities in the Adriatic Sea exploiting demersal stocks, by means of otter-trawling, beam-trawling, bottom pair trawling and otter twin trawling, including the key stocks listed in Annex 1. The multiannual management plan shall be consistent with the precautionary approach and shall be designed to provide high long-term yields consistent with the maximum sustainable yield and to guarantee a low risk of stocks collapse while maintaining sustainable and relatively stable fisheries. Contracting parties and cooperating non-contracting parties whose vessels are actively fishing in GSAs 17 and 18 agree to implement such multiannual management plan for the concerned fisheries and in accordance with the general and specific objectives and measures set by this recommendation. The multiannual management plan shall apply the precautionary approach to fisheries management, keep exploitation levels of key stocks at maximum sustainable yield, prevent increase in fishing capacity, protect nursery and spawning areas as well as essential fish habitats, contribute to the elimination of discards, and provide measures to adjust the fishing capacity and effort of the fleets to levels of fishing mortality consistent with the maximum sustainable yield. This Recommendation sets forth technical measures; fleet management measures; scientific monitoring, adaptation and revision of the multiannual management plan; specific measures to address IUU fishing activities; and monitoring, control and surveillance programme.