click on the picture to enlarge it and view a "slide show"

12-16 December,Sliema, Malta. Training Course on Introduction to Fish Stock assessment models.

The training course on fish stock assessment models was held in Sliema, Malta between the 12th and the 16th of December 2011. More than twenty scientists from Albania, Algeria, Egypt, Gaza Strip and West Bank, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Tunisia, Turkey attended the course. The course was designed for fisheries biologists working in fisheries centres or other research institutions involved in fisheries monitoring, research and management in the Mediterranean. The course covered a five day period and provided instruction, demonstration, and exercises in basic concepts in population dynamics and the application of stock assessment models including surplus production models, analytical Models (including Yield per Recruit Analysis and cohort analysis) and the estimation of biological reference. The course exercises were based in excel with considerable time dedicated to the analysis of data by the participants. Overall the participants were satisfied with the quality of the training. To allow the participants to assimilate the methods taught and increase their skills in data manipulation and analyses training opportunities should be provided every year and on a regular basis in the Mediterranean.

24-30 November Solemon Survey, Italy; 10-17 July Medits Survey Cyprus. Participation at Surveys at Sea, Solemon and Medits demersal Surveys.

The EastMed project supported an Egyptian and a Lebanese scientist to participate in the 2011 Cypriot leg of the Mediterranean International Trawl Survey (MEDITS). The scientists gained valuable experience in the conduction of a demersal survey at sea, and thanked greatly the Cypriot authorities and scientists (including Greeks) which were onboard the research vessel. The EastMed project also supported two Turkish scientists in the participation of the Solemon demersal survey for sole in the Adriatic Sea. They were gently hosted on the Italian research vessel, and expressed their gratitude to the Italian scientists for the opportunity to get experience from Italy on research surveys at sea.

22 November, Cairo, Egypt. Workshop on Socio-economic Assessment of Egyptian Fisheries.

The Socio-economic consultant, Mr. Dario Pinello, attended on behalf of the EastMed Project the workshop on socio-economic assessment of Egyptian fisheries, which was held on the 22nd of November 2011, in Cairo. The methodology of the assessment was described and the results were presented. The assessment particularly gave a wide overview of the social aspects of the fisheries. Mr. Pinello presented the Socio-Economic assessment that is planned to be carried out in Lebanon, with particular relevance to the methodological issues. The Socio-Economic assessment is one component among others regarding the data collection (see chart below). He underlined the relevance of socio-economic indicators, which are necessary as tools for comparing other national sectors (mainly agriculture) as well as comparing fisheries of other EastMed countries.

24-29 October, Chania, Greece. GFCM Working Group on Stock Assessment.

The technical officer participated at the GFCM Working group on stock assessment which was held in Chania (Crete) Greece, from 24 to 29 October 2011. There were 30 participants from Albania, Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Montenegro, Morocco, Romania, Spain, Tunisia, representatives of FAO, FAO EastMed Project, and FAO MedSudMed Project, and from the GFCM Secretariat. Overall, 30 assessments were presented from many GFCM GSAs covering most of the Mediterranean. Different approaches to undertake stock assessments were used, due to the different characteristics of species and the availability of data. Out of the 30 stocks assessed, 28 stocks were in a status of overfishing, with only one stock being underexploited whereas one assessment was considered preliminary. Many technical issues were discussed during the meeting which will surely improve future stock assessments. Furthermore several informal discussions were held with participants from the Eastern Mediterranean in order to discuss future activities on stock assessment such as the training course on stock assessment organised by the FAO MedsudMed project.

11th- 12th October, Ankara, Turkey. Contribution of the FAO EastMed project to Data Collection System of Turkey.

The Project Co-ordinator, Technical officer and Socio-Economic consultant travelled to Ankara, Turkey in order to discuss possibilities for data collection in Turkey. The country would like to start comprehensive data collection, first in order to have an accurate estimation of the catches and secondly in order to undertake stock assessments on a routine basis. After one day of discussions a tentative work plan was developed in order to conduct a pilot survey to undertaken fisheries data collection in Turkey. The work plan describes in a stepwise approach all the tasks required in order to start a pilot study on data collection and especially describes the practical details. After the Turkish administration officially agrees with the work plan, the activity will be brought to the co-ordination committee for consideration.

18th September - 1st October, Beirut, Lebanon. Setting-up of a web-based system for fishing licenses.

The Consultant, Mr. Constantine Stamatopolous travelled to Beirut, Lebanon, during the period 18 September – 1 October 2011 with the purpose of providing technical support to the FAO EastMed project in the sector of fisheries information and statistics. The mission involved technical consultations with officials of the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) as well as meetings with local software development companies. The discussions had as a focus the design and implementation of a Licensing System and Data Base (MOA LSDB). Logical links between MOA LSDB and other related systems and databases were also examined, notably those operated by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT). During the mission the consultant had the opportunity to visit the University of Balamand and discuss issues relating to the eventual involvement of the University in the statistical analysis of fleet data for direct use by a pilot data collection programme for a nation-wide catch and effort assessment system. The consultant also discussed aspects of cooperation with the FAO project GCP/LEB/020/ITA – National Observatory for Agricultural Development, particularly in the collection of fisheries statistics. A prototype system for the analysis of fleet data was demonstrated to MOA. Recommendations on how the licensing system should be developed including its utility in future catch and effort assessment surveys were also provided to the MOA.

22th – 29th September, Beirut, Lebanon. Appraisal of the Lebanese fishery sector from a socio-economic perspective.

The Socio-Economic Consultant, Mr Dario Pinello, has conducted an appraisal of the socio-economic situation of the Lebanese fisheries sector in order to identify in which sections the EastMed project can contribute to the fisheries socio-economic aspects. The consultant met and interviewed some of the main stakeholders. The main goal of the mission was to understand the management and the organization of the fisheries sector, with particular reference to the economic and commercial aspects. The consultant had a meeting with the advisor of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Hassan Atweh, in order to understand the system of loans with respect to the fisheries sector. Another meeting was carried out with the Director General of Land & Maritime Transport, Mr Hafeez Kayssi, which focused on the understanding of the vessel licensing system. The consultant also visited some cooperatives including their landing and selling points, some gear suppliers and a factory for the production of the fishing vessels. In the central fish market of Beirut the consultant interviewed several fish traders. Moreover a meeting was conducted with Mr Madjalani, National Focal Point of the EastMed project and officer of the Ministry of Agriculture, to understand the fishing licensing system followed by the Ministry of Agriculture. The appraisal showed that:
a) no socio-economic data on the fisheries exist;
b) there is a strong domestic demand for fish products, which is partially satisfied by internal production;
c) prices of seafood products are on average higher compared with the other Mediterranean countries;
d) the vessels are not adequate for offshore navigation including fishing and there it is extremely difficult to obtain the international standards of maritime safety;
e) it is foreseen by the Ministry of Agriculture to develop some projects that aim to help the fishermen to improve the safety and efficiency standard of their vessels.

19th - 23rd September 2011, Beirut, Lebanon. Appraisal of the Fisheries Department in Lebanon.

The Project Coordinator accompanied by Mr Henri Farrugio chairman of the FAO-GFCM Scientific Advisory Committee, and officers from the FAO representation in Lebanon and the Ministry of Agriculture visited fisheries departments in Tyr, Saida, Beirut, Juniyah, Ouzai, Batroun and Tripoli with the general purpose of gathering information for the institutions dealing with fisheries in Lebanon. The institutions visited were: the Directorate General of Agriculture and the Minister`s advisor within the Ministry of Agriculture, the American University of Lebanon, the Lebanese University, the Marine Research Centre within the National Council for Scientific Research the fishers syndicates in Tyr and Tripoli, the fishers co-operative in Dawra, Tyr, Ouzai and Tripoli, the Civil Defence department and the Italian co-operation in Lebanon. The information collected in the above mentioned mission concerns a)how the Mediterranean marine fisheries are managed in Lebanon; b)what is the state of the institutions which manage fisheries; c) how they are organised; d) how fisheries monitoring and research activities influence fisheries management decisions and; e) what is the involvement of stakeholders in fisheries management. The appraisal will include suggestions on how the system can be improved so that can be in line with a management system based on Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries management (EAF).

18th - 22nd July, Beirut, Lebanon. FAO EastMed Assessment of the fishing gears in Lebanon

The FAO EastMed assessment of the fishing gears in Lebanon was conducted from the 18 to 22 July 2011. The mission was conducted by Dr. Jacques Sacchi FAO EastMed Consultant who is an expert on fishing technology and was accompanied by Dr. Mark Dimech FAO EastMed project Technical Officer. The main objectives of the mission were to make a review of the main fishing techniques in Lebanon and to propose ways how to re-structure the fleet, including proposals for a change in the associated fisheries legislation. The experts visited the main landings ports, and conducted interviews with fishers, fishing gear suppliers, fishmongers and officers from the Ministry of Agriculture. The main findings show that several characteristics which include restricted continental shelf artisanal gears and vessels, lack of electronic equipment (e.g. GPS, fish finder) and lack of freezing facilities, result in fishing activities between 3-6 nautical miles from the coast. Most of the fishing gears use small mesh sizes and hooks which result in the presence of small sized fishes and juveniles in the landings. This therefore requires the improvement of fishing techniques and any associated fisheries legislation. The priority should be to improve the exploitation of fisheries resources by using more sustainable fishing gears and increase the exploitation of offshore waters and at the same time reduce the fishing pressure from coastal waters.

27th June - 1st July 2011, Demre, Turkey. FAO EastMed Permanent Working Group on Stock Assessment Methodologies

The first meeting of the EASTMED Permanent Working Group on Stock Assessment was held in Demre, (Turkey), from 27 June to 1 July 2011. It was attended by experts from Egypt, Gaza Strip and West Bank, Greece, Lebanon and Turkey, as well as one representative of the European Commission, FAO staff and consultants. The meeting had three main general objectives i) to identify candidate shared stocks and priority stocks in the region which are in need of scientific advice from stock assessments and to prioritize these stocks at sub-regional and national level; ii) to determine the main data available for stock assessment purposes, identify the gaps in data collection and suggest actions to fill the gaps; iii) to identify the most adequate approaches for the estimation of growth parameters and suitable models to assess the stocks in the region according to the data available. During the meeting the experts presented information on the biology and fisheries of commercial stocks and potentially shared stocks in their countries and GSAs. Based on the definitions adopted by GFCM the group identified a set of criteria to be used for the identification of shared stocks in the region and provided a list of shared stocks. Similarly, the group identified a list of priority stocks for each country and GSAs on which focusing the assessment in the next meetings. For each identified shared and priority stock the main data available and the methods applicable for their assessment were determined.

28th May - 16th June 2011, Cairo, Alexandria, Port Said, Damietta, Kafr el Sheik, Egypt. Pilot survey Phase II for catch/effort and biological data

The 2nd phase of the pilot study was conducted in two weeks. It included a follow up of the 1st phase and a training course for the new laboratories which were set-up in the western part of the country. During the mission all the ports were visited and assessment of the human resources, laboratories and the possibilities for biological sampling were conducted. In Alexandria the training course was held for data collectors, supervisors and representatives from the fisheries authorities, with several lectures from different experts. The course was very constructive and had the atmosphere of a workshop rather than a course since many issues were discussed on all aspects of sampling catch, effort and biological characteristics. During the last day of the training course the species to be selected for biological experts agreed to develop a protocol for the collection of data and identification templates in order to assist the data collectors in the field. As a follow up of the training an agreement was done on catch, effort and a list of species to be collected on a pilot basis supported by the project for one year. It was also agreed the analysis of the data to be done by the scientists of the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF). The general mission was completed with many fruitful and constructive outcomes and satisfied in general the Egyptian Authority. There was considerable collaboration between the FAO staff, consultants, Egyptian scientists and administration.

31st May - 6th June 2011, Cairo. Appraisal of the Fisheries Department in Egypt.

The Project Coordinator accompanied by Mr Henri Farrugio chairman of the FAO-GFCM Scientific Advisory Committee, Mr Alaa Eldin EL-HAWEET Associate Professor at the Institute of Fisheries Technology and Aquaculture in the Arab Academy for Science and Technology and Mr Madani Ali MADANI General Director of the International Agreement Department of the General Authority for Fish Resources Development visited fisheries departments to Cairo, Ismailia and Alexandria with the general purpose of gathering information for the institutions dealing with fisheries in Egypt. The institutions visited were: the General Authority for Fisheries Resources Development (GAFRD), the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF), the Institute of Fisheries Technology and Aquaculture (IFTA) from the Arab Academy for Science and Technology, the Oceanography Department from Alexandria University and the Marine Biology Department of the Suez Canal University in Ismailia. In Cairo the mission also visited the Fishermen Cooperatives Union which represents the main fishing industry stakeholders in the Mediterranean. The information collected in the above mentioned mission concerns a) how the Mediterranean marine fisheries are managed in Egypt, b) what is the state of the institutions which manage fisheries, c)how they are organised, d)how fisheries monitoring and research activities influence fisheries management decisions and e)what is the involvement of stakeholders in fisheries management. The appraisal will include suggestions on how the system can be improved so that can be in line with a management system based on Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries management (EAF).

16-18 May 2011, Mazara del Vallo-Capo Granitola, Italy. 9th meeting of the FAO MedsudMed Co-ordination Committee.

The EastMed project was represented in the 9th MedSudMed Coordination Committee meeting, which was held on 16-18 May 2011 at the Istituto per l’Ambiente Marino Costiero – Consiglio Nazionale per le Ricerche (IAMC-CNR). The meeting was attended by representatives of the Donors (the Italian Ministry of Agriculture Food and Forestry Policies and Regione Siciliana), delegations from the countries participating in the Project (Italy, Malta and Tunisia), staff of FAO FIR, representatives of FAO Regional Projects (AdriaMed, CopeMed II, ArtFiMed and EastMed) and FAO GFCM and the staff of the FAO MedSudMed Project. The program of the meeting included the presentation of the main activities performed by the Project during the intersessional period and the proposed future activities of the Project. The country representatives appreciated the progress made in the Project and mentioned several specific achievements that have been made possible by the Project. Among them is the establishment of a scientific network that is continuously fuelled also outside the framework of the Project. The participating countries manifested their strong interest and support to the work plan presented for the forthcoming period and to the possible role of MedSudMed in providing countries with tools for the identification of agreed management strategies.

9-14 May 2011, Rome, Italy. 35th Session of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean.

The ongoing activities of the FAO Regional Projects AdriaMed, MedSudMed, CopeMed II/ArtFiMed and EastMed were presented to the GFCM commission. All presentations underlined the decision making process of the projects, centered on the Coordination Committee of each project, where the country representatives are the main drivers. The approach of having all projects work as an FAO integrated team, allowing the transfer of the successes achieved by each project for the benefit of all countries in the GFCM Competence Area, and pooling resources was underlined. The representatives from the supported countries manifested the importance of the projects for the development of national capacity, and made special mention to the strong improvement already observed. The interventions underlined especially the role of the coordinated FAO Regional Projects in reinforcing and facilitating cooperation and in addressing the correction of the imbalances in the capacity among the countries. The delegates of Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Lebanon, Egypt and Cyprus particularly thanked the projects for the support provided to their countries. The EU delegate congratulated the FAO Regional Projects underlining their importance as a support also for the work and objectives of the GFCM. The EU also reiterated its willingness to continue supporting the projects’ activities.

28-29 April 2011, Madrid, Spain. 4th Meeting of the FAO CopeMed II Coordination Committee.

The Project Coordinator traveled to Madrid to participate at the 4th Coordination Committee meeting of the CopeMed II Project which was held at the Secretaria General del Mar. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Donors (AECID, Agencia Española de Cooperación internacional para el Desarrollo, Secretaria General del Mar and DG Mare, European Commission), delegations of the countries participating in the project (Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria), staff of FAO FIR and FAO-SNE, representatives of FAO Regional Projects (AdriaMed, MedSudMed and EastMed) and FAO GFCM and the staff of the FAO CopeMed Project. The Committee examined the activities carried out during the last intersessional period and the work plans of CopeMed II and ArtFiMed. All national delegates thanked the project staff for the results achieved and reiterated the need for ensuring the availability of funding to cover the extension of the CopeMed II and ArtFiMed activities, allowing a consolidation of the results achieved until now. The Committee reiterated the interest of having ArtFiMed future activities extended to all the CopeMed II project area. The Secretaria General del Mar pointed out that the Spanish administrations considers CopeMed to be of crucial importance for the reinforcement of the cooperation in the western and central Mediterranean and that for this reason the Spanish Ministry will find the way to maintain its support for the prolongation of CopeMed II.

16th April 2011, Cairo, Egypt. Meeting with the staff of the GAFRD.

The Project Coordinator travelled to Cairo-Egypt on the 15th of April to have a meeting with the staff of the Egyptian General Authority for Fisheries Resources Development (GAFRD) and also representatives of the Scientific Community. This was done after the Egyptian request to expand the running pilot survey on data collection across the whole Mediterranean Egyptian coast and also after the problems met during the 1st mission of the pilot survey. During the meeting the outcomes of the EastMed 1st year activities together with the work plan of the year 2 were first presented in order to show the importance that Egypt plays in the project activities allocation. Then the inputs that beneficiary countries have to provide to the project for running the various activities were presented and finally “ideal” institutional frameworks which show the information flow from stocks through the fishing activity to decision makers were deeply discussed. Finally, the need for Administration to collaborate with the Scientific Centers in order to monitor the fish stocks, was strongly recognized.

05-06 April 2011, Antalya, Turkey. 2nd Coordination Committee of the FAO EastMed Project.

Annotated Draft Agenda 2nd Co-ordination Committee
The second Coordination Committee Meeting of the EastMed project was held in Antalya, Turkey, from 5-6 April 2010 under the invitation of the Mediterranean Fisheries Research Production and Training Institute of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Turkey. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Donors (Greece and Italy), the participating countries (Cyprus, Egypt, Gaza Strip and West Bank, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, and Turkey), a representative of the FAO Marine and Inland Service of the Fisheries Resources and Conservation Division (FAO-FIRF), who also attended in view of his role as Coordinator of the FAO MedFisis and MedSea LME projects, a representative of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) and staff of the FAO Regional Rrojects CopeMed/ArtFiMed, and AdriaMed/MedSudMed. The activities during the 1st year of the Project were presented together with the proposals for the 2nd year from each country. The participants also expressed their satisfaction in the Project and thanked both the project`s staff and the donors for their contribution. The agreed work plan for the 2nd year includes training and support in data collection, data analyses, activities aiming in strengthening stakeholders awareness and activities promoting regional participation and cooperation.

15-17 March 2011, Athens, Greece. FAO EastMed Workshop on Management Strategies and Approaches.

It was attended by twenty eight participants from Cyprus, Egypt, Gaza Strip & West Bank, Greece, Italy, Turkey and Lebanon as well representatives of FAO and the EU. All of the countries presented their current management strategies including their strengths and weaknesses. All of the participants discussed how management strategies could be improved in the Eastern Mediterranean and highlighted the importance of the EastMed project in the region. The countries also pointed out how the EastMed project could assist in improving their current management systems, including the support in capacity building and training, data collection and analysis and networking.

1-2 March 2011, Ljubljana, Slovenia. FAO AdriaMed 12th Coordination Committee Meeting.

The twelfth Coordination Committee Meeting was focused on the inter committee period activities and on future activities planned for the next year. The meeting was attended by delegations from the five participating countries (Albania, Croatia, Montenegro, Italy and Slovenia), as well as by representative of FAO-FIRF, GFCM, EC and of the other FAO Sub-regional Projects and it was kindly hosted by the Fisheries Research Institute of Ljubljana. The aims of the meeting included the presentation of the main activities performed by the Project and the outputs achieved during the intersessional period, and the discussion of the proposed future activities of the Project. Overall, all country representatives praised the Project highly and mentioned several achievements that have been made possible by the Project. Among them is the establishment of a scientific network that is continuously fuelled even outside the Project framework.

21-25 February 2011, Kavala, Greece. FAO EastMed Training Course on Single-species Length based Stock Assessment Methods.

A five days training course on length based stock assessment methods was organized by the FAO - EastMed project at the Fisheries Research Institute (FRI) in Kavala, Greece. The course was designed for fisheries biologists working in research institutes or other institutions involved in fisheries research and management in the Eastern Mediterranean. One researcher from the CopeMed II project area was also participated. Twenty-three students from seven countries (Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Lebanon, Palestine, Turkey) participated in the course, and all attended lectures and exercise sessions, generally completing the assignments. The training included theoretical classes and practical sessions on the application of different methods focused on the analysis of length data. The participants were supplied with lectures, software and data.

7-11 February 2011, 13th Session of the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM).

The Eastmed project staff participated at the GFCM/SAC session and together with the project staff from the other Mediterranean sub-regional projects presented the document GFCM:SAC13/2011/Inf.22 summarising the major activities of the projects during the intercessional period. As in previous SAC meetings, the participation, activities and support of the FAO projects to the member countries and to the GFCM was underlined by most of the participating delegates. The SAC acknowledged the extensive work undertaken by the projects and the valuable scientific contributions provided, especially in developing and implementing common methodologies through organizing joint field training activities, surveys at sea, as well as strengthening the expertise at national level. The EastMed project also supported the participation of Greek, Lebanese and Egyptian delegates to the meeting.

11-14 January 2011, Rome, Italy. FAO FIRF retreat and the Co-ordination Committee of the Sub-Regional Mediterranean projects.

The FIRF retreat was held in Frascati from the 11th to the 13th, while the Co-ordination Committee of the sub-regional Mediterranean projects was held both in the same dates after the retreat hours and on the morning of Friday the 14th. The EastMed project staff worked together with collegues from FAO headquarters to refine indicators, targets and baselines for FAO unit results. During the Co-ordination Committee of the Mediterranean sub-regional projects many issues were discussed to incease the collaboration between the sub-regional projects and with the GFCM. Additionally a meeting took place between FIRF-HQ staff, EastMed Coordinator and a representative of the Syrian Embassy to find ways so that Syria could join the EastMed Project.

07-10 December 2010, Nicosia, Cyprus. Sub-regional Technical Meeting on the Lessepsian migration and its impact on eastern Mediterranean fishery

A Sub-regional Technical Meeting on the Lessepsian migration and its impact on eastern Mediterranean fishery was carried out in Nicosia (Cyprus) from 7-9 December 2010, where representatives from Greece, Italy, Turkey, Lebanon, Cyprus, Egypt and Gaza Strip and West Bank were present. The status, trend and monitoring of Lessepsian migration in the Mediterranean was presented together with the environmental conditions which favoured the lessepsian species expansion. The impact of Lessepsian to fisheries was highly discussed, including the harmful damage of Lagocephalus sceleratus to fisher`s static nets and longlines. A network of experts on lessepsian species was finally established, with a mandate of creating a common pool of information relating with basic knowledge, research-marketing issues and potential solutions to avoid the harmful effects.

07 to 26 November 2010, Egypt. 1st mission on the fisheries dependent data collection pilot survey

The 1st mission on the fisheries dependent data collection pilot survey was conducted in Egypt from 7 to 26 November. The aim was to set-up a pilot survey programme for catch/effort assessment and for biological sampling in the three landing ports of Port Said, Damietta and Kafr-El-Sheikh. During the mission basic statistical and biological training were provided to data collectors and users of the General Authority for Fish Resources Development (GAFRD). Technical notes were prepared describing the steps to be taken for the implementation of a pilot survey in three selected ports. Regarding the biological component of the mission, training was provided on target species recognition, sampling collection, sampling processing, collection and storage of biological material. The 2nd mission is scheduled to be implemented in May 2011, which is called to review the trainees expected activities, which will be carried out during the intercessional period.

14 to 17 September 2010, Batroun, Lebanon. Sub-regional Workshop on Collection and Organization of Data

A Sub-regional Workshop on Collection and Organization of Data was carried out in Batroun, Lebanon from 14 to 17 September 2010, where representatives from Greece, Italy, Turkey, Lebanon, Cyprus, Egypt and Gaza Strip and West Bank as well as from FAO participated. The Workshop objectives were to review the various systems used in the countries of the region, identify common issues and main differences, define coherence with GFCM TASK 1 and finally design a programme for working with the countries focusing to improve the capacity for data collection. The participants highlighted the importance of the artisanal fishery in the region, which deserved a specific attention for monitoring, while the expertise on data collection of the University of Balamand, North Lebanon, to be used either in the whole country or other countries if deemed, was pointed out.

19 to 23 July 2010, Athens, Greece. Training on otolith age reading

Training on otolith age reading was carried out in the Fisheries Laboratory of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food in Piraeus, Greece from 19-23 July 2010. Ageing was done for picarel (Spicara smaris) and red mullet (Mullus barbatus) to experts from Cyprus. During the training course sectioning was performed on hake (Merluccius merluccius) otoliths and the use of Image Analysis System for annuli reading was also shown.

09 to 10 June 2010, Lebanon, Beirut. Visit a potentially participating in the project country

The Project Coordinator together with the FAO Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Use and Conservation Division Mr. Kevern Cochrane, visited Lebanon in order to meet the Minister of Agriculture. The goal of the mission was to explain to the Minister the benefits have the country since it joins the project and to clarify any concerns/questions may arise by his Excellency. During the meeting the Minister was focused on his country expectations from the project.

18 to 19 May 2010, Libian Arab Jamahiriya, Tripoli. 8th Coordination Committee meeting of the MedSudMed Project

The Project Coordinator participated to the 8th Coordination Committee of the FAO MedSudMed Project “Assessment and monitoring of the fisheries resources and their ecosystems in the Straits of Sicily”, which was held on the 18th and 19th of May 2010 in Tripoli, Libian Arab Jamahiriya, and kindly hosted by the Marine Biology Research Centre of Tajura. The Meeting was focused on the inter committee period activities and on activities to be planned for the next 12 months. The meeting was attended by delegations from the four participating countries (Italy, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malta and Tunisia), as well as by a representative of the Italian Donor, the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department and the FAO General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean and Black Sea.

More information: http://www.faomedsudmed.org

10 to 14 May 2010, Italy, Venice. 39th CIESM Congress

The Project Coordinator participated to the 39th Ciesm Congress to present a scientific work titled “Spawning Frequency of Picarel, Spicara smaris (L.) in the Saronikos Gulf (Greece)”. Spawning frequency is an important reproductive variable and a crucial parameter for the spawning biomass estimation of the pelagic species. Spicara smaris is one of the target species in the Eastern Mediterranean countries catch and thus will deserve a particular attention under the Eastmed project.

More information http://www.ciesm.org

29 to 30 April 2010, Spain, Malaga. CopeMed II meeting on the definition of priority topics related to shared resources (demersal and small pelagic) in the sub-region

The Project Coordinator participated in a technical meeting under the CopeMed framework held in Malaga (Spain) regarding shared stocks identification in the sub-region so as to be taken into account for stock assessment and management purposes. The issue of shared stocks will be also faced in the EastMed Project, when similar sub-regional Working Groups will have to be established for a jointly stock assessments performance.

More information: http://www.faocopemed.org

19 to 20 April, 2010, Greece, Athens. EastMed Inception meeting

EastMed, “Scientific and Institutional Cooperation to Support Responsible Fisheries in the Eastern Mediterranean – EastMed” is a project under the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department that became operational in September 2009. Dr. Constantina Karlou-Riga was appointed as project coordinator. EastMed will support the development of regionally-consistent fisheries management plans among the Eastern Mediterranean countries through the monitoring of commercial fisheries and the developing of fishery research and management capacity. The Beneficiary countries are those with waters included in the GFCM and the geographical Sub-Areas (GSAs) 19-20 and 22-28. The project is planned to run for five years. Greece, Italy and the Directorate General for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs of the EC are the project’s donors. The project headquarters are based in Athens, Greece.

13rd-17th April 2010: GFCM, 34th Commission Meeting, Athens (Greece)

National Delegates from the EastMed countries participating in the ordinary GFCM Commission Meeting, in CAF (Committee on Administration and Finance) and in COC (Committee on Compliance) were present during the sessions held in Athens. EastMed Coordinator and the other FAO Project’s Coordinators were participating and supporting activities of the GFCM Secretariat.

- Report of the GFCM 34th Session

22 to 25 March 2010, Turkey, Ankara. Visit to project participating country

The Project Coordinator visited Turkey, where she had a meeting with Fisheries Administration staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. During her visit she also had the opportunity to present the project objectives and discuss with the fisheries experts the country capacity and to stress the importance of the Turkish contribution to the project taking into account the scientific Turkish expertise in marine sciences and also the big number of the research Institutes/Universities which could support the project implementation.

16 to 19 March 2010, Lebanon, Beirut. Visit a potentially participating in the project country

The Project Coordinator visited Lebanon, where she had a meeting with Fisheries Administration staff of the Ministry of Agriculture. During her visit to the Oceanographic & Fishing Institute in Batroun, she had the opportunity to present the project objectives and discuss with the fisheries experts the country benefits when it joins the project. Discussions were also done regarding the country facilities in case meetings are organized in Lebanon.

25 to 29 January 2010, Montenegro, Budva. Experts from several Mediterranean countries visiting the Kotor Marine Laboratory

During the 12th annual GFCM/SAC meeting in Budva (Montenegro, 25-29 January) a group of FAO experts and SAC Delegates from several countries, the Chairperson of the SAC Dr. H. Farrugio and the four Coordinators of the Sub Committees visited Kotor Center of Marine Research. Under the direction of Dr. Aleksandar Joksimovic, Director of Institute of Marine Biology, the experts visited the Center departments and conversed with the Institute experts.

19 to 22 January 2010, Egypt, Cairo. Visit to project participating country

The Project Coordinator visited the premises of the General Authority for Fish Resources Development (GAFRD, where she presented the project objectives and listened to the country capacity/weaknesses. At the meeting, the chairman of GAFRD, Dr Mohamed Fathi Osman, together with the Focal Point Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Salem Eid and experts from GAFRD and the National Institute of Oceanographic and Fisheries were present. The expectations of Egypt from the project were commented.

13 to 15 January 2010, Italy, Rome. Mediterranean and Black sea FAO Projects Coordination Meeting

The EastMed Project coordinator participated to the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Mediterranean and Black Sea Coordination Meeting from 13 to 15 January 2010 in Rome (FAO). The representatives of the different projects/activities presented the objectives, partners, and main activity lines and results of their work: EastMed, K. Karlou-Riga; CopeMed II, J. A. Camiñas; AdriaMed, N. Milone; ArtFiMed, M. Bernardon; Support desert aquaculture in Algeria (TCP/ALG/3103), V. Crespi; FAORNE, P. Manini; Southern European countries Project, Budapest FAO officer; MedSudMed, L. Ceriola; GFCM Aquaculture, M. Camilleri; MedFisis and LME Strategic partnership for Fisheries, P. Barros. The meeting was an opportunity to reinforce the cooperation and synergies between the different projects and to organize under a coordination strategy the activities for the next period. A new coordination meeting will be organizing in July 2010.

4 December 2009, Spain, Malaga. GFCM/SAC/CMSC

After the end of the regular sessions of the four SAC Sub-Committees in Malaga (Spain), the Coordination Committee meeting of the Sub-Committees took place with the participation of the GFCM’ Secretary, President and Vice-president of SAC, Coordinators of Sub-Committees and experts of FAO and regional projects AdriaMed, ArtFiMed, CopeMed II, EastMed, MedSudMed and MedFisis.

30 November to 3 December 2009, Spain, Malaga. GFCM/SAC/SCs

The four GFCM/SAC Sub-Committees were carried out in CopeMed II headquarters from November 30 to December 3, 2009. EastMed supported the participation of scientists from the eastern Mediterranean region as technical support to the Sub-Committee on Marine Environment and Ecosystem, to the Sub-Committee on Statistics and Information and to the Sub-Committee on Stock Assessment.

19 October to 30 October, 2009, Italy, Ancona. GFCM/SAC/SCSA/WGs

According to what has been adopted during the Scientific Advisory Committee of GFCM (SAC 11, Marrakech 1-5 December 2008) the Sub-Committee on Stock Assessment Working Groups (on demersals and small pelagics) have taken place in order to carry out practical sessions for performing stock assessments trying the fitting of several models. Dr. Graham Pilling from CEFAS (UK) and Dr. Andres Uriarte from AZTI (Spain) have been nominated as moderators for the demersals and small pelagics WGs respectively. The Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche CNR-ISMAR in Ancona hosted the meeting. EastMed Coordinator participated in the WGs for helping the scientists from the Eastern Mediterranean that the project supported.