The Mediterranean fishing area: State of play

The Mediterranean Sea boasts a particularly high biological diversity, including more than 500 fish species, many of which are unique to the region. However, several factors have contributed to the disturbance of the sea's habitats, with consequences for the living organisms and, hence, for the fisheries in the region. Pollution from land and sea sources, climate change, invasive species, overexploitation and the growing competition for space are among the main challenges. Traditional small-scale fishing vessels make up the vast majority of the EU fleet in the Mediterranean and account for more than half of employment in the sector. The sector as a whole is at risk of losing its economic and cultural importance, given that vessels, catches, employment and profits have all been decreasing for years. Given the high number of countries bordering the Mediterranean, it is regulated by numerous organisations and agreements in an effort to reconcile the interests of the various countries and sectors involved. The presence of numerous EU- and international-level initiatives indicates a high level of awareness regarding the problems facing the Mediterranean. While efforts to keep the exploitation of fish stocks at a sustainable level have shown results for some species, the European Parliament has repeatedly underlined the urgent need for additional action.