The objective of this Symposium is to identify pathways to strengthen the science and policy interplay in fisheries production, management and trade, based on solid sustainability principles for improved global outcomes on the ground. Ultimately, the debates and conclusions of the symposium will prepare the way for the development of a new vision for the way we perceive and use capture fisheries, outlining how the sector can respond to the complex and rapidly changing challenges facing society, and support the planning process of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).

In the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, this symposium aims to clarify:

a) What is the status of global and regional fisheries sustainability?

b) What are the challenges to improve the sustainability of fish resources?

c) What constitutes evidence, and how do we ensure an evidence basis for decision making? and,

d) What does society expect from marine and inland fisheries in the 21st century?

Meanwhile, the side event "Innovative approaches at the regional level and their contribution to sustainable fisheries and the conservation of marine ecosystems," organized by the the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean of the FAO (GFCM), aims to shed light on the vanguard of regional fisheries innovations and to discuss opportunities for further promoting linkages between regional actions and global policies for the sustainability of marine resources. In particular, regional innovations in relation to the following three themes will be explored:

• Scientific research towards better fisheries management at the regional level
  This theme will highlight innovation in research towards enhancing fisheries management, ensuring timely and accurate stock assessments, reinforcing social and economic monitoring, and promoting a human rights-based approach to small-scale fisheries management.
• Modular monitoring, control and surveillance to fight IUU fishing
  This theme will highlight most recent developments in the field of fisheries technology to track fishing vessels, including small-scale fishing vessels, and support countries and RFMOs to prevent and deter IUU fishing.
• Regional insights towards addressing environmental issues
  This theme will highlight progress in adaptation to and mitigation of climate change and other anthropogenic impacts on the marine environment, such as ocean noise pollution, habitat degradation and incidental catch of vulnerable species. 

More information on the Symposium and the GFCM's Regional innovative approaches side event