Ukraine Becomes an Official Member of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM)

The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) officially informed Ukraine about the entry into force of the Agreement for the Establishment of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean for our country. Ukraine has now become the 24th full member of the GFCM, gaining the right to vote and influence regional fisheries policy in the Mediterranean and Black Seas.

Head of the State Fisheries Agency Ihor Klymenok emphasized:

“This is an important step towards European integration and strengthening food security. Ukraine will be able to effectively defend its national interests, combat illegal fishing, and participate in modern scientific approaches to the management of marine resources.”

Significance for Ukraine:

• Access to decision-making on Black Sea fisheries policy under the GFCM;
• Enhanced cooperation with coastal states of the region;
• Support for implementing the Fisheries Development Strategy of Ukraine until 2030;
• Access to international expertise and technical assistance for developing Ukraine’s fisheries sector.

Comment by the Institute of Danube Research (IDR):

“Ukraine’s membership in the GFCM opens a new chapter in regional marine governance and environmental diplomacy. It strengthens the connection between the Black Sea and the Danube Basin, promotes sustainable fisheries management, and integrates Ukraine into the Mediterranean–Danube ecological framework. For the Lower Danube, this also means new opportunities for joint monitoring programs, scientific projects, and eco-tourism development.”

IDR Recommendations:

1. Use GFCM instruments to develop a regional program for monitoring aquatic bioresources in the Black Sea and the Danube.
2. Establish an interagency coordination group within the State Fisheries Agency for GFCM cooperation.
3. Encourage Ukrainian research institutions to join FAO-GFCM missions and scientific initiatives.