It will have to make science-based decisions for several stocks, such as Mediterranean swordfish, Yellowfin tuna, Atlantica albacore and Blue sharks. Moreover it should conclude negotiations to update the ICCAT Convention and bring it into the 21st century. This year also marks the organisation's 50th anniversary.

Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella sent his best wishes and said: "Since its inception 50 years ago, ICCAT has turned into a model of best practice among regional management organisations. We need to continue to raise the bar, so that others will follow. And we need to make sure that all ICCAT fish stocks are in good health. Important decisions are ahead of us this year, especially the one on Mediterranean swordfish. We need to halt its decline once and for all".

Indeed this emblematic fish stock is critically overfished. The European Union is ready to act and to work with the other ICCAT Contracting Parties to deliver on the commitment made by the Mediterranean Ministers in Catania earlier this year.

A recent performance evaluation for ICCAT has confirmed that its performance is improving. Efficient and highly performing Regional Fisheries Management Organisations are a key tool for good ocean  governance, as highlighted by the Joint Communication on International Ocean Governance published by the European Union on 10th November.