Fishery Practices Research Articles

Certifying ‘not yet sustainable’ fisheries—the uncertain journey to global best practice

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) aims to drive the adoption of sustainable practices in fisheries through the marketing of certified sustainable products. For certification, a fishery needs to achieve ‘global best practice’ ratings in each of the three core principles. However, for individual assessment criteria, a score of 60, representing ‘minimum acceptable levels’ is possible. In such a case, fisheries get certified with conditions linked to actions that, according to the MSC’s theory of change, will help them achieve best practice levels across all criteria within the terms of certification. We reviewed the publicly available MSC certification reports of all fisheries and units of certification (UoC) to evaluate the extent of the spread of certification with conditions under the MSC certification scheme and whether improvements have been achieved within the stipulated time frame. Our results show that most fisheries do not meet global best practices across all criteria at first certification. Additionally, in contradiction to the MSC Standard’s requirements, only a minority of all UoC improve to achieve this requirement within the first certification cycle. A third of all UoC carry conditions into the second certification cycle, while a fifth withdraw from certification or are suspended. We argue that conditional certification may contradict the theory of change of the MSC. Rather than driving the adoption of fishing practices in line with global best practices, conditional certification may become a hindrance. Enjoying the same market access privileges as fisheries with no conditions, affected fisheries appear to not improve to best practice levels within a timely manner. While our study did not investigate the underlying reasons or what the implications are for the environment, we recommend further investigation. Insights into these aspects could help strengthen the MSC certification program and might contribute to regaining its credibility.

Blue Economy and the Impact of Industrialisation on Sustainable Livelihoods: A Case Study of Fisheries in the North Coastal Region of Java

This research explores the impacts of the blue economy and industrialisation on sustainable livelihoods in the coastal areas of the North Coast of Java, with a particular focus on the fisheries sector.The main objective of this research is to analyse how changes in blue economy practices, which include sustainable marine resource management approaches, interact with industrialisation processes and their impact on the survival of local fishing communities.The research method used was qualitative with a case study approach, where data was collected through in-depth interviews with fishermen, government officials, and relevant stakeholders, as well as direct observation in the field. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis techniques to identify patterns and significant relationships between the factors involved.The results of this study show that industrialisation in the coastal areas of Java's North Coast has vital and complex impacts on the sustainable livelihoods of local fishing communities. On the one hand, industrialisation provides new economic opportunities, such as jobs in the fishing and manufacturing sectors, which can increase community income. However, on the other hand, negative impacts on the aquatic environment due to industrial activities and overexploitation of natural resources threaten the sustainability of the marine ecosystem, which is the main source of livelihood for fishermen.The managerial implications of these findings emphasise the need to integrate blue economy policies with the maturity of sustainable industrial development planning. Policy development that accommodates the needs of local ecosystems and fishing communities, with a pattern of regulating marine protected zones and supporting the shift to environmentally friendly fisheries practices, is key to ensuring the sustainability of fishers' livelihoods and healthy coastal ecosystems. This research provides important insights for policy makers and practitioners involved in marine fisheries resource management and industry development in coastal areas.

Prey diversity in the deep ocean: metabarcoding feeding ecology of the commercially important queen snapper in the US Caribbean

The queen snapper, Etelis oculatus, is experiencing a growing fishery presence across the wider Caribbean, yet our understanding of its distribution, biology, and ecology remains limited. To address this gap, we investigated the feeding ecology of this demersal deep-water snapper using two molecular approaches: single-species barcoding and multispecies metabarcoding. Between November 2019 and July 2020, we collected 157 queen snapper from seven locations along the west coast of Puerto Rico. Our analysis identified a diverse array of prey items in the stomachs, comprising 61 species from 31 families, 18 orders, and 38 genera. Our findings suggest that E. oculatus is a large carnivore, primarily preying on squids, shrimps, and deep-water fishes. Notably, common fish prey included Diaphus brachycephalus, D. dumerilii, Dasyscopelus selenops, Coccorella atlantica, Sigmops elongatus, and Zaphotias pedaliotus. In contrast, prevalent invertebrate prey consisted of Abralia veranyi, Doryteuthis pealeii, Abralia redfieldi, Oplophorus gracilirostris, and Systellaspis debilis. Although our data suggest potential variation in diet composition across locations, definitive conclusions remain elusive. However, we observed heightened prey richness at seamount Pichincho, possibly attributable to the high structural complexity of the karst terrain on the seafloor. Additionally, we noted variation in prey species composition across size classes, with certain species more prevalent in larger or smaller queen snapper. Given the challenge of examining the prey of deep-water fish species, our study showcases the utility of both single-species barcoding and multispecies metabarcoding methodologies in characterizing the dietary range of queen snapper and similar demersal deep-water carnivorous fishes. The multispecies metabarcoding approach, in particular, offers a rapid, comprehensive, and effective means of identifying prey species. As the commercial value of the queen snapper continues to rise, our investigation into its feeding behavior provides critical baseline information for future species management efforts. By enhancing our understanding of its ecological dynamics, we aim to contribute to informed conservation and sustainable fisheries practices in the region.

Testing best practices in small scale fisheries management: Evidence from a collaborative intervention in two marine protected areas of the central Mediterranean Sea

Adopting best practices (BPs) in small scale fisheries (SSF) is generally acknowledged to enhance ecological and social conditions, improving SSF management overall. Yet studies that empirically assess the effects of BPs on social-ecological outcomes (e.g., fishers' catches, revenues, and level of support towards management measures) remain limited. This study aimed to assess the effects of adopting BPs on catch per unit of effort (CPUE), revenue per unit of effort (RPUE) and small-scale fishers' perceptions in two Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Campania, Italy (Santa Maria di Castellabate (CAS-MPA) and Regno di Nettuno (NET-MPA)). Two BPs were implemented and tested in the two MPAs: i) five selective gears with three different mesh/hook sizes and ii) a participatory approach to increase dialogue between fishers and managers. The results from 36 surveys with small scale fishers and 158 SSF operations monitored using photo-sampling and image analysis techniques (between 2020 and 2022) are presented. Analyses of landings showed that significant differences in CPUE and RPUE between mesh/hook sizes were found in a limited number of cases (i.e., combination of fishing gears used in the 2 MPAs). Significant but divergent effects were found on CPUE in the two MPAs for gillnet used to target amberjack (GNA) only. RPUE was significantly higher in the NET-MPA when adopting the largest mesh size for GNA and the largest hook size for bottom longlines (BLL). When analyzing perceptions, fishers generally reported that the BPs adopted had a positive impact on their revenues, improved their relationship with MPA managers and increased their support for the MPA. In addition, eight stakeholder focus groups were held which helped investigators better understand the context, feedback the data gathered from the research and open up dialogue between the relevant stakeholders. The study concluded that increasing mesh/hook sizes, within the range tested here, does not negatively impact fishers’ revenues, while likely improving the status of target populations. Moreover, increasing dialogue between fishers and decision-makers can generate more positive perceptions towards the MPA and improve mutual understanding, helping to reconcile biodiversity conservation with human wellbeing for SSF.

Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) Can Guide Decision-Making in Inland Fisheries Management

Evaluating and integrating local ecological knowledge held by fishers into decision-making processes has the potential to significantly enhance fisheries management. The present study aimed to collect information on fishery practices and to assess the ecological knowledge of local professional fishers through interviews, evaluating its importance in managerial design. As a case study, Polyphytos Reservoir in Greece, which supports substantial fisheries, was selected. During the summer of 2023, thirty-seven interviews were conducted to document fishing efforts, methods, catches, biological information, and fishers’ perspectives on lake management, and economic/demographic details. In addition to gathering data on fishing activities, the study seeks to understand fishers’ perspectives on managerial deficiencies and necessities, thereby revealing their valuable ecological knowledge. The integration of this knowledge into decision-making processes can empower stakeholders and enhance local participation in fishery management. Ultimately, this approach has the potential to address long-standing conflicts, foster inclusive processes, and ensure better collective outcomes.

In-situ valve opening response of eastern oysters to estuarine conditions

High-frequency recordings of valve opening behavior (VOB) in bivalves are often used to detect changes in environmental conditions. However, generally a single variable such as temperature or the presence of toxicants in the water is the focus. A description of routine VOB under non-stressful conditions is also important for interpreting responses to environmental changes. Here we present the first detailed quantitative investigation of the in-situ VOB of eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) to environmental variables typically not considered stressful. The VOB of eight individuals was monitored for seven weeks in a Louisiana estuary. We examined the relationships between VOB metrics (variance in mean % max opening among oysters, the probability of an oyster being closed, and the rate of valve closure), and temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a (chl-a) concentration, the rate of change in those environmental variables, and the rate of change in water depth. Relationships were analyzed through statistical models including rates of change over 0, 0.25, 1-, 6-, 12-, and 24-hours. All the responses were best explained by the 12-hour time step model. The interaction effect between salinity and the rate of change of salinity had the greatest impact on variance in oysters’ behavior. Oysters closed faster at higher salinities and were more likely to be closed at lower chl-a concentrations. Significant interactions were found between many environmental variables, indicating a high level of complexity of oyster behavior in the natural environment. This study contributes to a better understanding of the impact of environmental conditions on oyster behavior and can help inform predictive tools for restoration initiatives and fisheries practices.

Identification of static netters fishing trajectories with high resolution data and their evolution in the Bay of Biscay since 2015: Potential implications for short-beaked common dolphin bycatch

Since winter 2016, an increase in strandings of small cetaceans has been recorded along the French Atlantic seaboard. This mortality, which concerns mostly the short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), is mainly due to bycatch in fishing gears. Highly vulnerable towards this issue, this protected species is more and more threatened in the Bay of Biscay. Fine scale knowledge on fisheries practices, which are ever evolving, is paramount to address the bycatch issue. The objective of this study was to identify the individual trajectories of static netters flying the French flag and to highlight possible changes in their practices between 2015 and 2019, during the winter period. An analysis of AIS data from vessels over 15 m of length, using a clustering method (HCPC), enabled us to define a typology of the static net fishery trajectories. The possible main trajectories of static netters flying the French flag were identified. Among these, one trajectory was linear with a constant navigation path and was used by offshore gillnetters targeting hake. This trajectory increased in frequency between 2015 and 2017. This study improves knowledge on practices of passive fishing gears that present a risk of short-beaked common dolphin bycatch such as gillnets and trammel nets in the Bay of Biscay. Further analysis of AIS data from other years and fishing fleets, adding environmental data or even dolphin distribution, are needed for a full understanding of the bycatch issue and towards the implementation of efficient mitigation measures.

Mangrove management practices, policies, and impacts in New Guinea

Mangrove forests of the island of New Guinea are some of the largest and most diverse in the Asia-Pacific region. Located across Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, these forests are relatively undisturbed compared to the surrounding regions. However, mangroves here face rising pressures by coastal development (aquaculture, agriculture, and settlements) and natural resource extraction (forestry, oil and gas exploration, and unsustainable fishery practices). This study synthesises the current state of mangroves and compares differences in management practices and policies between Indonesian New Guinea and Papua New Guinea. Through a Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response framework analysis, we found that peripheral or watershed drivers such as logging upstream, agriculture (including oil palm), oil and gas, and mining, could cause substantial pressure on the mangroves. In Indonesia, there are rigid policies and practices regulating each driver. However, overlapping, and contradicting regulations often do not acknowledge other land uses within the same area, which limits policy implementation. Papua New Guinea's coastal regulations encounters similar difficulties, with additional issues of delegating decision making to local administrations. Management practices such as national scale emissions accounting and Integrated Coastal Zone Management plans need to prioritize regulating the peripheral and internal drivers to maintain mangrove ecosystem services. Challenges for implementation include fragmented management, scarce capacity building and lack of data for decision making. Sustained funding for local coordination among managing agencies and data collection is key for a successful mangrove management.

Community-Based Approaches to Fisheries Management in MSMEs: A Bibliometric Exploration

This study conducts a bibliometric exploration of community-based approaches to fisheries management within the context of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). By analyzing scholarly publications from multiple databases, the research highlights key themes, challenges, and emerging trends in sustainable fisheries management. The study identifies significant clusters of research themes through network visualizations and discusses the socio-economic impacts of community-based strategies on local fisheries management. It underscores the necessity of integrating local knowledge and practices in MSMEs to enhance sustainability and resilience against global challenges like climate change and market fluctuations. Through this exploration, the paper aims to contribute to policy development and practical interventions that promote sustainable fisheries practices and bolster MSME resilience.

Fish survival subject to algal bloom: Resource-based growth models with algal digestion delay and detritus-nutrient recycling delay

In this paper, we propose a class of resource-based growth models with delays in algal digestion and detritus-nutrient recycling, and investigate the model based on two different survival scenarios of algae during nutrient transformation. One scenario considers the survival rates of algae during nutrient uptake, while the other overlooks this factor. We find a significant difference in the estimated time window required for clearing the lake of detritus between the two models, and both are longer compared to the model without algal digestion delay. Moreover, the internal equilibria of both scenarios undergo an infinite number of stability switches, however, the key parameters leading to these stability switches differ. Notably, in the model accounting for algal death during nutrient uptake, there exists a safe zone where the stability of the internal equilibrium remains unaffected by the detritus-nutrient recycling delay, provided that the algal digestion delay falls within a suitable range. The findings derived from this study can provide valuable insights for the development of efficacious approaches in safeguarding the ecological integrity, managing algal blooms, facilitating sustainable fishery practices, and fostering favorable economic outcomes within the realm of water resources advancement.

Differential expression of reproduction‐related genes in shrimps from East Pacific fisheries

AbstractShrimp fisheries and culture are important food sources worldwide. Central East Pacific fisheries are mainly supported by four species: Penaeus brevirostris, P. californiensis, P. stylirostris and P. vannamei. However, the same shrimp fishery practices, management strategies and closures are applied to these four species despite their differences in life history and reproductive periods. Most molecular studies have focused on the cultured species P. vannamei, while knowledge for the rest of the species is scarce. Therefore, this study sought to examine the transcriptomes of these four shrimp species from the Mexican Pacific at different maturity stages. A total of 165 unigenes were found to be reproduction‐related in the four shrimp species. The genes with the highest overall expression levels were associated with ribosomes, transcription and methyltransferase pathways. Moreover, the reproduction‐related genes with the highest expression values were polehole protein and ovarian peritrophin. The major expression similarities were primarily among pre‐vitellogenic and vitellogenic females within each species, and secondly among the species P. brevirostris and P. californiensis and the species P. vannamei and P. stylirostris. Although these four species might share a geographical location or niche, the expression of reproduction related‐genes at different gonadal maturity stages exhibited species‐specific variations.

Optimizing aquaculture-scale common carp artificial reproduction: a novel approach to sperm cryopreservation using large-volume containers and elevated thawing temperatures

IntroductionThe successful cryopreservation of common carp sperm is crucial for its application in aquaculture and selective breeding programs. This study investigates the efficacy of cryopreserving sperm in large containers (5 mL) with a low dilution rate (1:1) in three different cryoprotective media and thawing in different conditions.MethodsThe developed method utilizes a low-ionic (hypotonic) cryoprotective medium, freezing with a controlled cooling rate, and high-temperature sperm thawing (60°C). The investigation employs a detailed spermatozoon motility assessment.ResultsPost-thaw motility of 32.3% ± 14% and initial curvilinear velocity of 89 ± 20 μm/s across 30 males were observed. Principal component analysis of sperm kinematic characteristics revealed distinct populations of sperm cells exhibiting varying responses to cryopreservation. The developed method achieved successful fertilization comparable to that of the non-frozen control group using sperm from a single cryotube (2.5 mL, approximately 50 * 109 spermatozoa) to fertilize 200 g of eggs (1:120,000 egg:spz).DiscussionThis novel approach demonstrates an effective cryopreservation protocol for common carp sperm in large-volume cryo-containers in combination with low-ionic cryomedia and high thawing temperature, providing methods well-suited for fisheries practices and selective breeding programs. Future studies of the biological properties of different sperm subpopulations in post-thaw sperm samples can contribute to a deeper understanding of sperm biology, improve cryopreservation techniques, and enhance the success rates of assisted reproductive technologies.

Blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus, Linnaeus 1758) capture fisheries practices in northern Bohol, Philippines

Blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus, Linnaeus 1758) capture fisheries practices in northern Bohol, Philippines

The bycatch estimate of threatened marine megavertebrates in Moroccan fleets operating in the Mediterranean Coast

This study addresses the information gaps by a descriptive analysis of bycatch of vulnerable species (i.e. seabirds, sea turtles, seals, marine mammals, sharks and rays’ species) in in Moroccan Mediterranean area. The present study is one of the first researches to provide an evaluation of the bycatch of different threatened species in relation with fishing activities. The bycatch monitoring was conducted on board commercial fishing vessels operating in the Mediterranean coast of Morocco from March 2019 to Jun 2022. A total of 2203 days at sea observations, a total of 5792 questionnaires were performed to collect information on the interactions between these groups of vulnerable species and the three main vessels groups operating in the country (i.e. trawlers, long liners and purse-seiners). Considering all threatened taxa of monitored vulnerable species, sharks and rays had the highest percentage with 93% of the total bycatch in number. They are the most threatened by fishing among the megafaunas. The bycatch rate of common dolphins made up more than 0.03%. For sea turtles and sea birds it’s less than 0.02 %. Those estimates rates could underestimate the real rates in comparison to the quantities caught by the target species. Despite the incidental captures of those species were very low, there is an urgent need for their conservation given their crucial role in the ecosystems. Finally, some mitigations trials were proposed and additional research will be implemented to improve knowledge on bycatch estimates, fully understanding fisheries practices and achieves the goal of bycatch-reduction in these fisheries

Biodiversity, distributions and isolation of microplastics pollution in finfish species in the Panjkora River at Lower and Upper Dir districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

The basic aim of this study was aimed to determine the ichthyofaunal diversity of River Panjkora in both upper and lower Dir districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.Fish samples were collected by using fishnets from March to September 2020. A total of 724 specimens were collected and classified into 5 families, 14 genera, and 18 species. The overall results revealed that most fish fauna of river Panjkora contains 8 species of family Cyprinidae (56.49%) followed by 4 species of Nemacheilidae (24.44%), 2 species of Channidae (10.63%), and Sisoridae (7.04%), and 1 species of Mastacembelidae (1.38%), respectively. Among all kinds of fish species, Schizothorax plagiostomus (16.57%) was highly dominated and followed by Carassius auratus (11.87%) and Racoma labiata (9.66%) and were reported as highly abundant, especially during April, May, and June. The least abundant species were Glyptothorax punjabensis, Glyptothorax sufii, and Mastacembelus armatus, that constituting 2.48%, 2.20%, and 1.38% of the total fish samples. The Overall Simpson's diversity (1-D= 0.919) and Simpson's Reciprocal index values (1/D= 12.3876), and Shannon's index (H= 2.68) were indicating that river Panjkora contains a quite rich and diverse group of fish species. The highest microplastics observed in site 7 compared to other study area. Conservation steps should be taken as a top priority to protect and conserve the marine environment and natural heritage from further loss, extinction and stop or minimize losses incurred through irresponsible fishery practices.

Survivorship of discarded sole (Solea solea) characterised via telemetry, vitality, and physiology

While the discarding practices of commercial fisheries might greatly contribute to fish mortality, a better understanding of discard survival patterns and their drivers is crucial to assess fishing mortality and develop effective mitigation measures. Bottom trawling in particular is likely to induce multiple forms of stress in captured fish. In this study, we used three experimental methods to explore discard survivorship of the common sole (Solea solea). We focused on fish captured via a coastal bottom trawler of the Bay of Biscay and conducted sampling during commercial fishing operations. First, we used acoustic telemetry to determine the survival rate of 160 discarded soles. While this technique makes it possible to study discarded fish in their natural habitat, inferring fish fate from these data can be challenging, especially when acoustic receiver network coverage is fragmented. Second, we scored the vitality of the sole before their release. Third, we examined three plasma markers of fish physiological status over a 90-min period following capture. The method based on acoustic telemetry estimated a minimum discard survival rate of 41%. This metric was positively correlated to the vitality. Furthermore, both survival and vitality were associated to tow duration and the presence of algae in the catch consistently. The three physiological markers reflected the presence of various levels of stress and fatigue among discarded individuals, but also a fish’s ability to recover after being discarded. Individuals with excellent vitality (33% of discards in this study) suffered less stress, were less fatigued and, therefore, were greater equipped to react to other sources of stress than individuals in lower vitality. The consistency of the results demonstrates the reliability of our approach to estimate post-release survival from acoustic tagging even from fragmented network coverage, and that vitality can serve as a proxy for discard survivorship.

Hasil Tangkapan Ikan Demersal Dengan Pancing Dasar Di Teluk Nalahia, Maluku Tengah

Small scale fisheries are commonly multi-species fisheries practice which targeting on varied species and sizes that provide better income using multi-gear. Yet, tropical fisheries management more focuses on single-species management including studies to support the management. In this study, we analyzed the catch of hand line using multi-species approachment, size abundance spectrum. Hand line with hook size 13 and 15, 64 individual were collected during 10 trips of fishing at Nalahia Bay. Represented of 34 species from 15 family, the catch of hand line has ecological function from herbivores to piscivores, 2 to 4.5 of trophic level. Abundance size spectrum of hand line showed that Nalahia Bay comprehends high diversity of demersal fish and hand lines exploit proportionally to the available productivity.

Hasil Tangkapan Ikan Demersal Dengan Pancing Dasar Di Teluk Nalahia, Maluku Tengah

Small scale fisheries are commonly multi-species fisheries practice which targeting on varied species and sizes that provide better income using multi-gear. Yet, tropical fisheries management more focuses on single-species management including studies to support the management. In this study, we analyzed the catch of hand line using multi-species approachment, size abundance spectrum. Hand line with hook size 13 and 15, 64 individual were collected during 10 trips of fishing at Nalahia Bay. Represented of 34 species from 15 family, the catch of hand line has ecological function from herbivores to piscivores, 2 to 4.5 of trophic level. Abundance size spectrum of hand line showed that Nalahia Bay comprehends high diversity of demersal fish and hand lines exploit proportionally to the available productivity.

Ecological assessment of a subtropical floodplain wetland of the Ganga basin in the context of changing climate using GIS tools

Abstract Climate change associated with anthropogenic stressors are considered the main threat to the tropical wetlands, resulting in reduced water connection followed by a decline in ecological functions. This article presents a systemic approach to assess the present ecological status of a tropical floodplain wetland concerning the fisheries and associated ecosystem services. The analysis of historic climatic data indicated significant change (increasing average annual air temperature, R2 = 0.098; decreasing total annual rainfall, R2 = 0.042). In addition, a significant reduction in the wetland area was also observed. Altogether, 45 fish species were reported in the studied wetland, of which 2 are listed as endangered and 7 are near threatened. The present study demonstrated the variation of the important fisheries-related environment and nutrient parameters of the wetland through the geographic information system (GIS)-based spatial distribution map for the reader's digest. It has been found that the provisioning ecosystem services are higher in number (n=9) followed by supporting (n=6), regulating (n=4), and cultural (n=2) ecosystem services. Finally, we have discussed some important case-specific sustainable climate-smart adaptation and mitigation approaches to strengthen the resilience and adaptive capacity of fishers.

Identifying and prioritizing demersal fisheries restricted areas based on combined ecological and fisheries criteria: The western Mediterranean

The western Mediterranean basin is a high marine biodiversity area under severe pressure by changing climate and intense human activities. Beyond national jurisdictions, international institutions such as the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) work towards canalizing a regional consensus that fishing practices should evolve to better support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In this context, Fisheries Restricted Areas (FRA) are proposed as effective management measures to contribute towards increasing fisheries sustainability in the region that can be considered, under some conditions, as Nature-based Solutions (NbS); however, how to operationalize their framework remains unclear. In this study, based on combined ecological and fisheries criteria, we identify and prioritize six potential priority areas for management (PAMs) in the western Mediterranean Sea. They are specifically aimed at the protection and recovery of Essential Fish Habitats and the conservation of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems, whilst requiring limited adaptation of fisheries practices due to their relative low fishing pressure. We compare the identified areas to those that are currently under protection, and to areas that have been proposed for protection at the GFCM. Our results show that the FRAs and other spatial management measures introduced in the last years marginally contribute to the protection PAMs in the western Mediterranean region. However, the adoption of FRAs that are currently under discussion at the GFCM could contribute significantly to improve the situation. FRAs could also contribute to operationalize NbS in the western Mediterranean Sea when properly designed and implemented.