The Seventeenth meeting of the MedSudMed Coordination Committee was held in Buġibba Malta, 05-06 February 2019, kindly hosted by the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department of the Ministry for the Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change of Malta (MESDC). The Coordination Committee was attended by representatives from the countries participating in the Project (Italy, Libya, Malta and Tunisia), representatives of the Italian Donor, the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy and Resources Division (FIA), a representative of FAO Regional Projects AdriaMed and CopeMed II, of the FAO General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean Secretariat (FAO GFCM), as well as the staff of the FAO MedSudMed Project. The meeting sought to present and discuss the results of the activities carried out by the Project referring to the 201819. The activities followed the methodological approach used by the Project and were presented according to the Project main components. The working paper “Project Future Implementation”, in which objectives, outputs and activities proposed for 2018 was introduced and agreed by the Committee, including additional inputs coming out from the discussion.

The Sixteenth meeting of the MedSudMed Coordination Committee was held in Rome, Italy, on 13th - 14th February 2018, kindly hosted by the Italian Ministry for Agriculture, Food and Forestiers Policies (MiPAAF). The Coordination Committee was attended by representatives from the countries participating in the Project (Italy, Libya, Malta and Tunisia), representatives of the Donors, the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy and Resources Division (FIA), a representative of FAO Regional Project AdriaMed, of the FAO General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean Secretariat (FAO GFCM), as well as the staff of the FAO MedSudMed Project. The meeting sought to present and discuss the results of the activities carried out by the Project referring to the 2017-18. The activities followed the methodological approach used by the Project and were presented according to the Project main components. The working paper “Project Future Implementation”, in which objectives, outputs and activities proposed for 2018 was introduced and agreed by the Committee, including additional inputs coming out from the discussion.

The Fifteenth meeting of the MedSudMed Coordination Committee was held in Tunis, Tunisia, 02-03 March 2017. It was attended by representatives from the countries participating in the Project (Italy, Libya, Malta and Tunisia), a representative of FAO Sub-regional Office for North Africa (FAO SNE), a representative of the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy and Resources Division (FIA), a representative of FAO Regional Project AdriaMed, of the FAO General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean Secretariat (FAO GFCM), as well as the staff of the FAO MedSudMed Project. A brief remind was made on the Project objectives and activities and a presentation of the activities implemented for the MedSudMed components during the inter-session period was made. The proposed work plan for the next period was discussed and approved. It focuses on the same priorities of standardizing approaches, increasing scientific knowledge on fishery resources and ecosystems, strengthening national expertise and regional cooperation. The belief that continuing the Project can only bring success and be beneficial for each of the participating countries was affirmed.

The Fourteenth meeting of the MedSudMed Coordination Committee was held in St. Julian’s, Malta, 26-27 April 2016. It was attended by representatives from the countries participating in the Project (Italy, Libya, Malta and Tunisia), representatives of the Italian Donor (Ministry for Agriculture, Food and Forestry Policies, MiPAAF), of the FAO GFCM Secretariat, of the FAO AdriaMed and CopeMed II Projects, as well as staff of the MedSudMed Project. A brief remind was made on the Project objectives and activities and a presentation of the activities implemented for the MedSudMed components during the inter-session period was made. The proposed work plan for the next period was discussed and approved. It focuses on the same priorities of standardizing approaches, increasing scientific knowledge on fishery resources and ecosystems, strengthening national expertise and regional cooperation. The belief that continuing the Project can only bring success and be beneficial for each of the participating countries was affirmed.

This document is the final version of the report of the MedSudMed Oceanographic Survey carried out in Libyan waters from 15 to 30 July 2010 on board of the R/U Urania. The document presents also the results of the processing of the data collected during the survey. The survey was carried out under the cooperative framework promoted by the FAO MedSudMed Project (Assessment and Monitoring of the Fishery Resources and the Ecosystems in the Straits of Sicily). The main objective of the survey was to collect information on areas of concentration of eggs and larvae of small pelagic fish species and on the mesoscale physical aspects characterizing the area. During the survey, advantage was also taken to collect sediments and water samples to update and/or complement existing information and study the chemical-physical properties of the water masses. The results were expected to complement information gathered during the first and second MedSudMed surveys (August 2006, July 2008) and information available in other part of the MedSudMed area. The main target species for the ichthyoplankton study were anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and round sardine (Sardinella aurita). An overall description of the sampling scheme, of the area explored and of the methods adopted is provided. The distribution and abundance of eggs and larvae of the main target species anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and round sardine (Sardinella aurita) in the eastern part of Libyan waters is described. An outline of the composition and abundance of phytoplankton in the area is also provided. The main oceanographic characteristics, including water mass circulation, in the western Libyan waters are illustrated. A description of the trophic status of the waters is provided taking into account nutrients and suspended matter. A description of the content of trace elements and nutrients in the water column complete the information provided in this report

This document is the final version of the report of the MedSudMed Acoustic Survey carried out in Libyan waters from 06 August to 02 September 2010 on board of the R/V Maria Grazia. The document presents also the results of the processing of the data collected during the survey. The survey was carried out under the cooperative framework promoted by the FAO MedSudMed Project (Assessment and Monitoring of the Fishery Resources and the Ecosystems in the Straits of Sicily). The main objective of the survey was to gather information on the biomass and spatial distribution of small pelagic fish and on some environmental factors along the Libyan continental shelf. To this extent, acoustic measurements of small pelagic fish were carried out. Sampling of small pelagic fish using a pelagic trawler was carried out as well. During the survey, advantage was also taken to measure some physico-chemical parameters of the water column. The acoustic survey was the second survey for the assessment of small pelagic fish biomass after the MedSudMed-08 Acoustic survey carried out in 2008 in Libyan waters. Previous surveys were carried out in 1993-1994. An overall description of the sampling scheme, of the area explored and of the methods adopted is provided. The biomass, abundance, spatial distribution, length frequency distribution and length weight-relationship for the main small pelagic species found in Libyan waters is described: Engraulis encrasicolus, Sardina philcardus, Sardinella aurita, Trachurus mediterraneus, Scomber japonicas, Boops boops, Spicara spp. and Etrumeus teres. Sea water temperature, salinity and oxygen along the water column are also illustrated.

This document is the final version of the report of the MedSudMed Oceanographic Survey carried out in Libyan waters from 15 to 31 July 2008 on board of the R/U Urania. The document also presents the results of the processing of the data collected during the survey. The survey was carried out under the cooperative framework promoted by the FAO Project MedSudMed (Assessment and Monitoring of the Fishery Resources and the Ecosystems in the Straits of Sicily). The main objective of the survey was to collect information on areas of concentration of eggs and larvae of small pelagic fish species and on the mesoscale physical aspects characterizing the area. Advantage was taken of the survey to collect sediments and water samples to update and/or complement existing information on bottom types and study the chemical-physical properties of the water masses. The results were expected to supplement information gathered during the first MedSudMed survey (August 2006) and information available in other parts of the MedSudMed area. The main target species for the ichthyoplankton study were anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and round sardine (Sardinella aurita). An overall description of the sampling scheme, of the area explored and of the methods adopted is provided. The distribution and abundance of eggs and larvae of E. encrasicolus and S. aurita in Libyan waters is described, as well as the composition and abundance of phytoplankton. The main oceanographic characteristics, including water mass circulation in the western Libyan waters are also illustrated. A description of the trophic status of the waters is also provided taking into account nutrients and suspended matter. A description of the content of trace elements and nutrients in the water column complete the information provided in this report.

This document is the final version of the report of the MedSudMed Acoustic Survey carried out in Libyan waters from 14 August to 06 September 2008 on board the R/V Dallaporta. The document also presents the results of the processing of the data collected during the survey. The survey was carried out under the cooperative framework promoted by the FAO Project MedSudMed (Assessment and Monitoring of the Fishery Resources and the Ecosystems in the Straits of Sicily). The main objective of the survey was to collect information on abundance and distribution of small pelagic fish and on some environmental factors along the Libyan continental shelf. To this end, acoustic measurements of small pelagic fish were carried out. Sampling of small pelagic fish using a pelagic trawler was carried out as well. Advantage was also taken during the survey to measure some physico-chemical parameters of the water column. The acoustic survey was the first survey for the assessment of small pelagic fish biomass since 1993-1994 in Libyan waters. An overall description of the sampling scheme, of the area explored and of the methods adopted is provided. The biomass, abundance, spatial distribution, length frequency distribution and length weight-relationship for the main small pelagic species found in Libyan waters is described: Engraulis encrasicolus, Sardina philcardus, Sardinella aurita, Trachurus mediterraneus, Scomber japonicas, Boops boops, Spicara spp. and Etrumeus teres. Sea water temperature, salinity and oxygen along the water column are also illustrated.

This document reviews and compiles the scientific information on some demersal crustaceans relevant for fisheries target species in the south-central Mediterranean Sea: Aristaeomorpha foliacea; Melicertus (Penaeus) kerathurus; Metapenaeus monoceros; Nephrops norvegicus; Palinurus elephas and Parapenaeus longirostris. The document provides a description of each species including bio-ecology, life history parameters, fishery exploitation and fishing gear selectivity information. Scientific information was organized to provide a synthetic outline on each species, including meristic description, ecology (geographical distribution, habitats), biogical information (maximum size, spawning activity, length at first maturity, recruitment at habitat and nurseries, sex ratio, length–weight relationship, maximum age and natural mortality, von bertalanffy growth function, feeding behaviour, stock units). Information on stock status and exploitation when available (abundance indices from trawl surveys, strength of recruitment, stock assessment, fisheries, fishing zones and seasons, yield, fishing and discards) is also provided per species. This work is the result of international scientific cooperation among the fishery research institutions participating in the FAO-MedSudMed Project.

The Thirteenth meeting of the MedSudMed Coordination Committee was held in Rome, Italy, on 16th – 17th April 2015. It was attended by representatives from the countries participating in the Project (Italy, Malta and Tunisia), representatives of the Italian Donor (Ministry for Agriculture, Food and Forestry Policies, MiPAAF), of the FAO GFCM Secretariat, of the FAO AdriaMed, CopeMed II and EastMed Projects, as well as staff of the MedSudMed Project. A brief remind was made on the Project objectives and activities and a presentation of the activities implemented for the MedSudMed components during the inter-session period was made. The proposed work plan for the next period was discussed and approved. It focuses on the same priorities of standardizing approaches, increasing scientific knowledge on fishery resources and ecosystems, strengthening national expertise and regional cooperation. The belief that continuing the Project can only bring success and be beneficial for each of the participating countries was affirmed.

The Twelfth Meeting of the MedSudMed Coordination Committee was attended by representatives from the countries participating in the Project (Italy, Libya, Malta and Tunisia), representatives of the Italian Donor (Ministry for Agriculture, Food and Forestry Policies, MiPAAF), of the FAO GFCM Secretariat, of the FAO AdriaMed, CopeMed II and EastMed Projects, as well as staff of the MedSudMed Project. A brief remind was made on the Project objectives and activities and a presentation of the activities implemented for the MedSudMed components during the inter-session period was made. The proposed work plan for the next period was discussed and approved. It focuses on the same priorities of standardizing approaches, increasing scientific knowledge on fishery resources and ecosystems, strengthening national expertise and regional cooperation. The belief that continuing the Project can only bring success and be beneficial for each of the participating countries was affirmed.

The Eleventh Meeting of the MedSudMed Coordination Committee was attended by representatives from the countries participating in the Project (Italy, Libya, Malta and Tunisia), representatives of the Italian Donor (Ministry for Agriculture, Food and Forestry Policies, MiPAAF), of the FAO GFCM Secretariat, of the FAO MedSudMed Project as well as of AdriaMed, CopeMed II and EastMed Projects. A brief remind was made on the Project objectives and activities and a presentation of the activities implemented for the MedSudMed components during the inter-session period was made.The proposed work plan for the next period was discussed and approved. It focuses on the same priorities of standardizing approaches, increasing scientific knowledge on fishery resources and ecosystems, strengthening national expertise and regional cooperation. The report of the FAO independent evaluation of the Project was presented. A positive appraisal of the MedSudMed Project for supporting all the participating countries in the assessment and monitoring of the fisheries resources and for the good job carried out since the beginning was given by the Evaluation Team. The belief that continuing the Project can only bring success and be beneficial for each of the participating countries was affirmed.

This document summarises the data used, methods adopted and the results of the joint stock assessment carried out during the MedSudMed and CopeMed II Working Groups on Parapenaeus longirostris and related fisheries held in 2009 and 2010 in Malta and Italy respectively. The aim of this document is to describe the state of the stock of P. longirostris in the south-central Mediterranean Sea using data from Italy, Tunisia and Malta. The long term objective of this study is to provide the baseline for the establishment of a harmonized management regime for the deep water rose shrimp fishery in the south-central Mediterranean Sea. Overall, fishery dependent data from Italy, Malta and Tunisia for the first time were pooled together and jointly processed. The assessment was performed using length cohort analysis (LCA) and biomass and yield per recruits analyses as implemented in VIT4Win. Current mean fishing mortality and exploitation pattern were assessed using the steady state LCA on length frequency distributions (LFD) of 2007, 2008 and 2009 as well as the average 2007-2009 catches, raised to the total landings. Analyses were performed separately by keeping sex and fleet segments separate (i.e. Italy 12-24; Italy > 24; Tunisia; Malta) as first step. A sensitivity analysis was also carried out as implemented in VIT. The results are discussed in the view of providing robust technical advice for the management of national fisheries exploiting P. longirostris in the MedSudMed area taking into account the possible evolution of national fisheries. Some perspective for future joint activities to be carried out within the cooperative framework established by the FAO Projects are also presented.

This document is the final version of the report of the MedSudMed Oceanographic Survey carried out in Libyan waters from 12 to 24 August 2006 on board of the R/V Urania. The document presents also the results of the processing of the data collected during the survey. The survey was carried out under the cooperative framework promoted by the FAO Project MedSudMed (Assessment and Monitoring of the Fishery Resources and the Ecosystems in the Straits of Sicily). The main objective of the survey was to collect information on areas of concentration of eggs and larvae of small pelagic fish species and relate them to the mesoscale physical aspects characterizing the area. During the survey, advantage was also taken to collect sediments and water samples to update and/or complement existing information on bottom types and study the chemical-physical properties of the water masses. The results were expected to complement information available in the rest of the MedSudMed area, where hypothesis were drawn on the transport and retention processes of small pelagic fish eggs. The main target species for the ichthyoplankton study were anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and round sardine (Sardinella aurita). An overall description of the sampling scheme, of the area explored and of the methods adopted is provided. The distribution and abundance of eggs and larvae of E. encrasicolus and S. aurita in Libyan waters is described, as well as the composition and abundance of phytoplankton. The main oceanographic characteristics, including water mass circulation, in the western Libyan waters are also illustrated. A description of the trophic status of the waters is also provided taking into account nutrients and suspended matter. A description of the content of trace elements and nutrients in the water column complete the information provided in this report.

The Tenth Meeting of the MedSudMed Coordination Committee was attended by representatives from the countries participating in the Project (Italy, Libya, Malta and Tunisia), representatives of the Italian Donor (Ministry for Agriculture, Food and Forestry Policies, MiPAAF), of the FAO GFCM Secretariat, of the FAO MedSudMed Project as well as of AdriaMed, CopeMed II and EastMed Projects. A brief remind was made on the Project objectives and activities and a presentation of the activities implemented for the MedSudMed components during the inter-session period was made. The proposed work plan for the next period was discussed and approved. It focuses on the same priorities of standardizing approaches, increasing scientific knowledge on fishery resources and ecosystems, strengthening national expertise and regional cooperation. Mention was given that, according to the FAO rules, MedSudMed is subject of an FAO independent evaluation and all countries will be called to provide their contribution to the evaluation process. A positive appraisal of the MedSudMed Project for supporting all the participating countries in the assessment and monitoring of the fisheries resources and for the good job carried out since the beginning was given by all the members of the Coordination Committee. The belief that continuing the Project can only bring success and be beneficial for each of the participating countries was affirmed.

The Ninth Meeting of the MedSudMed Coordination Committee was attended by representatives of the Donor (Italy and Italian Regione Siciliana), delegations from the countries participating in the Project (Italy, Malta and Tunisia), representatives of the FAO GFCM Secretariat, the FAO-Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Use and Conservation Division (FAO FIR), from the FAO AdriaMed Project as well as the Project Coordinator of CopeMed II and EastMed Projects. A brief remind was made on the Project objectives and activities and a presentation of the activities implemented for the MedSudMed components during the inter-session period was made. The proposed work plan for the next period was discussed and approved. It focuses on the same priorities of standardizing approaches, increasing scientific knowledge on fishery resources and ecosystems, strengthening national expertise and regional cooperation. A positive appraisal of the MedSudMed Project for supporting all the participating countries in the assessment and monitoring of the fisheries resources and for the good job carried out since the beginning was given. The belief that continuing the Project can only bring success and be beneficial for each of the participating countries was affirmed.

The Eighth Meeting of the MedSudMed Coordination Committee was attended by representatives of the Donor (Italy), delegations from the countries participating in the Project (Italy, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malta and Tunisia), representatives of the FAO GFCM Secretariat, the FAO Technical Backstopping Officer for regional Mediterranean Projects, the FAO Fisheries Resources Officer, from the FAO AdriaMed Project as well as the Project Coordinator of CopeMed II and EastMed Projects. A brief remind was made on the Project objectives and activities and a presentation of the activities implemented for the MedSudMed components during the inter-session period was made. The proposed work plan for the next period was discussed and approved. It focuses on the same priorities of standardizing approaches, increasing scientific knowledge on fishery resources and ecosystems, strengthening national expertise and regional cooperation. A positive appraisal of the MedSudMed Project for supporting all the participating countries in the assessment and monitoring of the fisheries resources and for the good job carried out since the beginning was given. The belief that continuing the Project can only bring success and be beneficial for each of the participating countries was affirmed.

The Seventh Meeting of the MedSudMed Coordination Committee was attended by representatives of the Donor (Italy), delegations from the countries participating in the Project (the Republics of Italy, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malta and Tunisia), Representatives of the GFCM Secretariat, the FAO Technical Backstopping Officer for regional Mediterranean Projects, the FAO Fisheries Resources Officer, an Officer from the FAO AdriaMed Project as well as the Project Coordinator of CopeMed II Project. A brief remind was made on the Project objectives and activities and a presentation of the activities implemented for the four MedSudMed components during the inter-session period was made. The proposed work plan for the next period was discussed and approved. It focuses on the same priorities of standardizing approaches, increasing scientific knowledge on fishery resources and ecosystems, strengthening national expertise and regional cooperation. A positive appraisal of the MedSudMed Project for supporting all the participating countries in the assessment and monitoring of the fisheries resources and for the good job carried out since the beginning was given. The belief that continuing the Project can only bring success and be beneficial for each of the participating countries was affirmed.

The Sixth Meeting of the MedSudMed Coordination Committee was attended by representatives of the Donor (Italy), delegations from the countries participating in the Project (Italy, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malta and Tunisia), the Chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), and the Biostatistician of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), as well as the staff of the FAO MedSudMed Project. A brief remind was made on the Project objectives and activities and a presentation of the activities implemented for the four MedSudMed components during the inter-session period was made. The proposed work plan for the next period was discussed and approved. It focuses on the same priorities of standardizing approaches, increasing scientific knowledge on fishery resources and ecosystems, strengthening national expertise and regional cooperation. A positive appraisal of the MedSudMed Project for supporting all the participating countries in the assessment and monitoring of the fisheries resources and for the good job carried out since the beginning was given. The belief that continuing the Project can only bring success and be beneficial for each of the participating countries was affirmed.

The Fifth Meeting of the Coordination Committee was attended by representatives of the Donor (Italy), delegations from the countries participating in the Project (Italy, the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malta and Tunisia), the Chief of the FAO Marine Resources Service (FIRM), the Chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), the Executive Secretary and the Deputy Executive Secretary of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), a representative from the European Commission (EC) as well as the staff of the FAO MedSudMed Project. A brief reminder was made on the Project objectives and activities and a presentation of the activities implemented for the four MedSudMed components during the inter-session period was made. The proposed work plan for the next period was discussed and approved. It focuses on the same priorities of standardizing approaches, increasing scientific knowledge on fishery resources and ecosystems, strengthening national expertise and regional cooperation. A positive appraisal of the MedSudMed Project for supporting all the participating countries in the assessment and monitoring of the fisheries resources and for the good job carried out since the beginning was given. The belief that continuing the Project can only bring success and be beneficial for each of the participating countries was affirmed.

The Workshop on “Octopus stocks and related fisheries in the MedSudMed Project area” (Salammbô, Tunisia, 18-20 November 2008) was attended by experts from Italy, Libya, Malta and Tunisia. The main objectives of the workshop were: i) to synthesise and compare the existing knowledge on the biology and distribution of O. vulgaris; ii) to identify the gaps to be filled for the identification of O. vulgaris populations units; iii) to prepare a work plan in order to verify if the population units of O. vulgaris belong to shared stock(s); and iv) to contribute to identifying the Operational Units targeting O. vulgaris in the Project area. Ten presentations were given on biological aspects, distribution and exploitation (including socio-economic aspects) of O. vulgaris in the MedSudMed area. The differences and similarities of biological features, exploitation, market and fisheries regulations among countries in the Project area were also pointed out. A joint exercise to identify the fleet segments targeting O. vulgaris in the area was carried out. The gaps to be filled in order to identify population units for O. vulgaris and to provide a detailed description of the Ous targeting this species in the MedSudMed area were listed and the outline of a work plan to fill these gaps was agreed upon. Two main thematic areas were identified: i) tentative identification of nursery and spawning areas along the Tunisian coasts by processing available surveys data, ii) genetic studies to compare population units. Moreover, a further field of interest was discussed: the collection of data for the proper identification of Ous targeting O. vulgaris.

This document describes the morphological and taxonomical characteristics of early life stages of bony fish collected during the MedSudMed ichtyoplankton survey which was carried out in Libyan waters on board the R/V Urania in August 2006. The survey and data processing were conducted in the framework of the MedSudMed Project and in cooperation between the Institute for Coastal Marine Environment of the National Council for the Research (Italy) and the Marine Biology Research Centre (Libya). The document is structured in order to provide the readers with the baseline knowledge for the identification of fish larvae found in the seas bordering the Libyan coasts. In particular, in Chapters 1 and 2 an introduction to the ecological relevance of ichtyoplankton and on the water mass circulation in Libyan waters are respectively reported, as well as a description of the materials and methods used to sample, store and identify fish larvae. Chapter 3 describes the criteria and technical background necessary for the species identification and the main morpho-biometric characteristics used to describe the fish larvae. In Chapter 4 a description of the larvae collected during the survey along the Libyan waters is provided according to a systematic classification. An overview of the references on this topic is also included in the document (Chapter 5).

Climatological characteristics of water masses and circulation in the south–central Mediterranean Sea (Straits of Sicily and surrounding areas) have been estimated and compared with previous knowledge by using a model-based approach. The climatological fields have been calculated in the form of monthly and seasonal averages from the output of a numerical model run over a period of five years (4th January 2000 – 27th December 2004). The numerical model is a 3D primitive equation, mesoscale resolving regional ocean model based on POM (Princeton Ocean Model). The support of literature and satellite data proved to be fundamental to correctly interpret model results and vice-versa. Results show distribution of the main water masses comparable to the literature and confirm the hypothesis of a counter phase behaviour for the two main branches of the Algerian Current entering in the Straits of Sicily, the ATC (Atlantic Tunisian Current) stronger in winter and the AIS (Atlantic Ionian Stream) stronger during summer. The model results offer a detailed description in time and space of the hydrological characteristics of this very dynamic part of the Mediterranean and offer a basis for linkages to ecological and biological implications.

The FAO–MedSudMed Regional Project has promoted research on the improvement of knowledge on fishery ecosystems, with a view to the sustainable management of living marine resources in the central Mediterranean (Straits of Sicily). A pilot study focused on the waters around the Maltese Islands (GSA 15), with the aim of providing a comprehensive overview of the spatial distribution of the different life stages of exploitable demersal fishes in relation to the type and distribution of fishing, as well as to the oceanographic factors characteristic of the area of study. Critical zones for their role in the ecology of the main demersal fishery target species were investigated using species abundance data disaggregated by life stage. Spatial analysis and the application of GIS techniques allowed the identification of preferred habitats (e.g. nursery, feeding and spawning areas) for Merluccius merluccius, Mullus barbatus, Parapenaeus longirostris, Raja clavata and Raja miraletus. The impact of fishing on these species was assessed, particularly in terms of fish assemblages. The transport paths of early life stages were also hypothesized on the basis of oceanographic factors typical of the area. The results revealed that the spatial distribution of the main fishery resources overlaps the limits of the current GSAs. The analysis of oceanographic factors showed that some fishery resources are sustained by young individuals transported from adjacent GSAs. The results also demonstrated that the spatial distribution of the main demersal fishery resources in the Mediterranean GSA 15 straddle other GSAs, in particular as concerns nursery and spawning areas, indicating that some fishery resources are shared. This implies that harmonized fishery management should be applied over a larger area than is implied by the GSA concept. Finally, the study showed how data provided by different methods could be integrated to enhance the available scientific information in a data-limited situation.

The Workshop was attended by experts from Tunisia, Italy, Libya and Malta and an international expert on fish age determination, Ms Hélène de Pontual, from the Institut Français de Recherche pour l’Exploitation de la Mer (IFREMER). The main objective of the workshop was to study the possibility of elaborating, a standard protocol on ageing in the MedSudMed Project area, based initially on two target species: Merluccius merluccius and Mullus barbatus. The current activities in the Project Area and an overview of the methods now used were presented, including existing national and international protocols and their principal technical characteristics regarding materials, methods, sampling design and data processing. Then the problems of standardizing age-reading methodology for the target species were discussed: choice of the hard structure, sampling, otolith extraction, otolith conservation, preparation techniques, accuracy and precision, validation etc. A laboratory exercise of age-reading techniques for Mullus barbatus was conducted to check the agereading agreement and precision among six readers. The average percentage agreement in respect of the modal age across all ages and readers in the comparison was 55.2% and the average coefficient of variation (CV) was 45.5%. The relative bias showed that all the readers tended to underestimate older age-classes. Finally, the participants agreed on a common protocol for age determination of the target species and proposed a future intercalibration exercise to assess the percentage agreement in age determination among readers.

The MedSudMed Training course on macroscopic identification of maturity stages for the Mediterranean fisheries resources, Tajura, Libya, 9–11 July 2006 was primarily intended for the scientists of the Marine Biology Research Centre (MBRC) and focused on the macroscopic identification of maturity stages of demersal fishery resources. The objective was to teach the basic techniques for the processing of samples and macroscopic identification of maturity stages for different species of fish. More specifically, background information on maturity stages of demersal fishery resources, including basic notions and terminology, was provided. The course also included a general description of the reproductive organs of the main fishery resources (fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods), an analysis of slides illustrating the macroscopic identification of maturity stages in the Mediterranean species, a description of and comments on the maturity scales currently available. Practical exercises were organized with fresh samples of Sardinella aurita, Scomber japonicus and Spicara flexuosa, and simple techniques, algorithms and exercises to retrieve data on reproductive features (macroscopic) were taught. Following the biological analysis, simple elaboration of the resulting data was performed. All the participants in the course showed interest in the topics and some of them proposed the development of collaboration and new studies on the fish species distributed in the Libyan waters.

Preliminary results on spatial distribution of some key variables (abundance indices, recruits and spawner density indices) of Merluccius merluccius and Mullus barbatus populations in central Mediterranean are presented at regional level for the first time. Data were collected during trawl surveys carried out under national programmes (Italy, Libya, Malta and Tunisia) in the MedSudMed Project area (GFCM GSAs 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 21). An effort to standardize the data collection and processing was made with the support of the MedSudMed Project. About 290 hauls were made within the depth range 10–800 m in May–August 2003, covering an area of about 150,000 km2. For each haul, spawners were identified as female fish whose total length was greater than the length at 50% maturity (the established common value of 30 cm TL and 15 cm TL for hake and red mullet, respectively). Also for each haul, the proportion of recruits, expressed in terms of young of the year, was estimated by analysis of the length–frequency distribution. In the case of hake, a species that reaches maturity at the age of one year, the spatial distribution of the young fish with a length lower than L50% (juveniles) was also considered. Spawning and nursery areas were identified as areas showing the highest values of spawner and recruit indices, respectively. To avoid bias due to the different sampling gears, all the indices were standardized to the maximum value, keeping separate the areas sampled with different nets. Qualitative comparison of hake and red mullet stocks among the Italian–Maltese, the Tunisian and the Libyan sub-regions, revealed that large differences exist in abundance indices and the demographic structure implicit in these indices. Though differences in the small size-classes may result from differences in gear selectivity and survey season, the contrasting distribution observed in the large size-classes is likely to result from an actual paucity of large specimens in the Italian–Maltese sub-region. Analysis of spatial distribution by life-phase showed that both species are distributed, or migrate, across the boundary of two adjacent GSAs or the boundary of a zone of national maritime jurisdiction and the adjacent high seas. Proposals for future research were made to better understand occurrence of stock units and the effect of environmental factors on them.

The present document reviews the knowledge currently available on the biology, ecology and exploitation of Merluccius merluccius, Mullus barbatus, Octopus vulgaris and Parapenaeus longirostris, taken from the list of MedSudMed target species. Available knowledge was organized to furnish a synthetic description of these species, including species description (meristics), ecology (geographical distribution, habitats, migrations), biogical information (maximum size, spawning activity, length at first maturity, eggs, larvae and post-larvae, recruitment at habitat and nurseries, sex ratio, length–weight relationship, maximum age and natural mortality, Von Bertalanffy growth function, feeding behaviour, stock units), evaluation and exploitation (abundance indices from trawl surveys, strength of recruitment, stock assessment, fisheries, fishing zones and seasons, yield, fishing and discards). Finally a brief compilation of current fishery legislation and management in each country was made.

The Fourth Meeting of the MedSudMed Coordination Committee was attended by representatives of the Donor (Italy), delegations from the countries participating in the Project (Italy, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malta and Tunisia), the Chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), the Deputy Executive Secretary of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) as well as the FAO staff of the MedSudMed Project. A brief reminder was made on the Project objectives and activities and a presentation of the activities implemented for the four MedSudMed components during the inter-session period was made. The proposed work plan for the next period was discussed and approved. It focuses on the same priorities of standardizing approaches, increasing scientific knowledge on fishery resources and ecosystems, strengthening national expertise and regional cooperation. A positive appraisal of the MedSudMed Project for supporting all the participating countries in the assessment and monitoring of the fisheries resources and for the good job carried out since the beginning was given. The belief that continuing the Project can only bring success and be beneficial for each of the participating countries was affirmed.

The third meeting of the Coordination Committee of the MedSudMed Project (Assessment and monitoring of the fishery resources and the ecosystems in the Straits of Sicily) was attended by representatives of participating countries, a representative from the European Commission, the FAO Technical Matter officer as well as FAO MedSudMed staff. The meeting sought to present and discuss the results of the activities carried out by the Project referring to the period February 2004 - January 2005. In particular, the results of the working groups, training courses and technical consultations organized during this intercommittee period were presented. The outcome to date of all field research activities was presented and the work plan for the coming period was discussed and approved, relative to the main areas of the Project activities: spatial distribution of demersal resources in the Project area and the influence of environmental factors and fishery characteristics, small pelagic fish: stock identification and oceanographic processes influencing their abundance and distribution, marine protected areas as a tool for fisheries management. The Committee expressed its appreciation for the quantity and quality of the work carried out by the Project and for the level of coordination achieved especially concerning the standardization of methodologies at regional level.

The MedSudMed workshop on age determination of selacean fish was held in Mazara del Vallo, Italy, from 22 November to 1 December 2004. It was attended by participants from Tunisia, Italy and Malta. The main objective of the workshop was to provide an overview of techniques currently used in the MedSudMed Project area for preparation and reading of spines and vertebrae of a series of cartilaginous fish species (Centroscymnus coelolepis, Cetorhinus maximus, Carcharhinus plumbeus, Galeus melastomus, Scyliorhinus canicula, Mustelus mustelus, Rhinobatos cemiculus, Rhinobatos rhinobatos, Raja clavata, Squalus blainvillei, Chimaera monstrosa). The course provided training and joint preparation and interpretation of samples provided by the participating institutes. Participants had agreed on a common protocol for preparation of the samples prior to the course. Direct observation of vertebrae and spines was conducted, along with tests of two methods for enhancing the appearance of the growth bands (red alizarin and cobalt nitrate). On the basis of the laboratory work and of the relevant bibliography available, trials were performed to identify the most relevant techniques for each species studied. This document details the work done during the workshop and provides general guidelines for cartilaginous fish age determination, as well as the limits of the methods currently used and improvements that could be made in the near future. It appeared that direct observation gave good results for all species except C. coelolepis. Red alizarin and cobalt nitrate staining procedures also improved the appearance of growth patterns except for C. plumbeus, Centroscymnus coelolepis and Scyliorhinus canicula and Galeus melastomus. Good results were obtained for some species (C. plumbeus, and G. melastomus), according to the size of the observed individuals. Further investigations are needed; in particular, larger samples should be examined to confirm the methods used and to provide detailed guidelines to be used at the regional level.

The Second meeting of the Coordination Committee of the MedSudMed Project (Assessment and monitoring of the fishery resources and the ecosystems in the Straits of Sicily) was attended by representatives of participating countries (Tunisia, Malta, Libya, Italy) and other interested parties. The meeting sought to present and discuss the results of the activities carried out by the Project referring to the period September 2002 - December 2003. The outcome to date on all field research activities and strengthening national capacity building was presented, relative to the main areas of Project activity: spatial distribution of demersal resources in the Project area and the influence of environmental factors and fishery characteristics, small pelagic fish: stock identification and oceanographic processes influencing their abundance and distribution, marine protected areas as a tool for fisheries management. In particular, the results of the related expert consultations were presented, as well as the regional experts recommendations on the activities to be implemented in the next future. As a result, the work plan for the coming period was commented and approved by the participants who discussed issues touching working methodology, field work to be conducted, data processing and training in the field and at laboratory. The importance of standardizing the methodologies was stressed and considered fundamental for the Project purposes. The Project was encouraged to organize cooperative field research to provide information at regional level. The meeting was also updated on the achievements related to the regional database and information system. Future developments regarding the finalization of several modules were agreed upon and considered highly relevant by the delegates. The delegates expressed their satisfaction with the work achieved to date and with the work plan adopted and encouraged the Project to make every effort to continue strengthening the scientific cooperation between the participating countries.

The Expert Consultation on Small Pelagic Fish: Stock Identification and Oceanographic Processes Influencing Their Abundance and Distribution was held from 1 to 3 October 2003 in Salammbô, Tunisia, and was hosted by the Institut National des Sciences et Technologies de la Mer (INSTM). The meeting was attended by 19 experts from 5 institutions in the Project Area, as well as representatives of the FAO Regional Projects AdriaMed and Copemed. Fourteen communications were presented; they covered such issues as results of stock assessment carried out by echo-surveys in the Project area, spatial distribution of the main target species, results of the acoustic identification of small pelagic fish species, reproductive strategy and reproductive biology (reproductive cycle, maturity stages, age and growth), small pelagic fisheries, spatial distribution and modelling of fishing effort, influence of meteorological and hydrographical factors on small pelagic fish. The experience of the AdriaMed Project in promoting international cooperative research on shared small-pelagic fish stocks of the Adriatic Sea was presented, as well as the main results of the Workshop on Environmental Variability and Small-Pelagic Fisheries in the Mediterranean Sea organized by the Copemed Project. The priority list of species that future activities should concentrate on was discussed in the light of the GFCM priorityspecies list, economic and ecological importance, and taking into account the peculiarities of each country. A short synthesis of gaps in the knowledge of the biotic and abiotic factors and oceanographic processes influencing the distribution and abundance of small pelagic fish species was made. The main gaps identified concern: the migration of adults, transport of eggs and larvae, and the effect of abiotic factors. Many data are presently collected during the echo-surveys, but they remain insufficient to conduct ecosystem-based studies. The lack of interdisciplinary studies in the area remains one of the main gaps. A series of proposals was discussed, dealing with: (i) spatial distribution and stock assessment of small-pelagic-fish populations; (ii) biological and genetic studies; (iii) eggs and larvae; (iv) relationships between biotic and abiotic factors and life-cycles of small pelagic fish species; (v) fishery analysis and catch and effort data. The importance of developing a functional data base for acoustic data resulting from echo-surveys was discussed and agreed upon.

The Workshop on Standardization of Trawl Surveys Protocol in the MedSudMed Project Area was held in Mazara del Vallo from 5 to 9 May 2003. Research institutes of all four MedSudMed Countries (Italy, Malta, Tunisia and Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) were represented as well as the project staff. The objective of the seminar was to provide all available information on the existing procedures to carry out national and international trawl surveys, compare them and agree on future common methodological protocols. The technical contributions regarded four relevant topics: planning of activities at sea and fishing gears, processing of the catches and biological sampling, collecting biological information on target species, and data management and processing. On the basis of these themes three working groups were constituted, who discussed respectively: planning of activities at sea and fishing gear, collecting biological sampling and data management. In short period the participants agreed to maintain most of the current procedures used in collecting data within the national programs and adopt procedures to standardize selected data to be stored in a regional data base to be used for preliminary common analysis.

The second Expert consultation organized by the MedSudMed Project was devoted to Marine Protected Areas as tools for fishery management. It took place in Tunis from 14 to 16 April 2003. Twenty-seven experts from research institutions in the MedSudMed participating countries, as well as experts from the FAO CopeMed Project, UNEP RAC/SPA and IUCN attended the meeting. A total of 15 presentations were given according to the terms of reference of the meeting. On the basis of the experts’ experience, an overview of several issues related to MPAs in the Mediterranean Sea was given. It highlighted the existence of expertise in the Project area as for monitoring and management of MPAs. The main points raised were: the suitable size for MPAs; impact of fishing closure and artificial reefs on stock and species diversity enhancement; impact of alien species on species diversity and strategies for their monitoring; the suitability of MPAs as fishery management tools. The meeting also allowed taking stock of the existing MPAs in some of the participating countries.

The first Expert Consultation, Spatial Distribution of Demersal Resources in the Straits of Sicily and the Influence of Environmental Factors and Fishery Characteristics, was held in Malta from 10 to 12 December 2002. All four MedSudMed countries (Tunisia, Malta, Libya, Italy) were represented, as well as colleagues from the Copemed Project and one external expert from the University of Plymouth. As agreed during the Coordination Committee meeting, the objective of the Expert Consultation was to provide an overview of available knowledge on the issue, draw up a programme for the activities to be implemented on the basis of common methodology, propose pilot study cases and identify needs in national and regional expertise. The technical contributions regarded four main themes: fishery biology, physical environment, biocenoses, and tools and data management. A synthesis was made by working groups who provided a summary of the available knowledge and data, a listing of the gaps and recommendations to fill these gaps. Discussions were conducted towards an agreement on an indicative work plan. The adoption of common methods and terminology was considered of utmost importance. The standardization of available data and sampling design also appeared as a priority.

The first meeting of the Coordination Committee of the MedSudMed Project (Assessment and Monitoring of the Fishery Resources and Ecosystems in the Straits of Sicily) was attended by representatives of participating countries (Italy, Libya, Malta and Tunisia) and other interested parties. The meeting was held to evaluate the first months of Project implementation, corresponding to the settlement of the Project, its start-up and the establishment of the contacts with the participating countries. An overview was given of the contacts established with the research Institutes of the participating countries, and the discussions held with the researchers. The briefing and technical meetings that were held during the initial phase of the Project were summarized, and stress was put on the content and outline of a work plan. The consequent proposal for the general outline of research has been discussed and approved for the implementation of the future activities on demersal resources, small pelagic fish and marine protected areas. Besides, the conceptual design of the future MedSudMed Information System was presented, and confidentiality and accessibility of the data were discussed. Explanations were given on the interactions between the MedSudMed Project and the MedFisis Project proposal, regarding the coordination of the statistical and related data processing activities of the FAO regional Projects in the Mediterranean. Specific requirements for the MedSudMed countries concerning national capacity building were highlighted. The Coordination Committee stressed the importance of improving activities planned to strengthen cooperation with the GFCM. Finally the priorities identified for the future and activities scheduled were listed and approved by the Project Coordination Committee.