Improving environmental sustainability of deep sea fisheries with emphasis on the conservation of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs)

In 2018 the European Commission commissioned a study aiming at providing a comprehensive review and analysis of the scientific approaches adopted and in development by each of the RFMOs and RFBs that manage bottom-fishing activities.  This study provides a starting point upon which to compare and contrast the performance of different RFMOs, with respect to deep-sea fishing, and with a particular focus on the avoidance and mitigation measures designed to conserve and protect VMEs, species, habitats and biodiversity in the deep sea. Its findings demonstrate also the panoply of methodologies and criteria that are currently in place across RFMOs.