Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/12 on the establishment of a set of minimum rules for sustainable recreational fisheries in the Mediterranean Sea.

This recommendation establishes minimum rules to ensure an effective management, control and monitoring of recreational fishing activities in the Mediterranean Sea (geographical subareas [GSAs] 1–27). This Recommendation aims to: (I) contribute to managing the impact of recreational fisheries on marine living resources towards their sustainable exploitation, in particular through applying conservation, control and monitoring measures; (II) improve the scientific, technical and socioeconomic knowledge of recreational fisheries; (III) encourage the participation of recreational fishers in the governance of their activity; and (IV) deter IUU fishing activities. Annex 1 listing prohibited species, Annex 2 listing the prohibited methods, Annex 3 on prohibited areas, and Annex 4 listing priority species are annexed to this Recommendation. Annex 4 covers vulnerable species included in Annex II (endangered or threatened species) and Annex III (species whose exploitation is regulated) of the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean (Barcelona Convention).