This program will focus on researching specific species causing adverse effects on the fishing, aquaculture and tourism industries, with the hope of developing a scientific methodology that can serve as a basis for replication throughout the basin, the GFCM said in a statement.
According to the GFCM, jellyfish blooms are a growing concern in the Mediterranean as they become more common due to warming ocean temperatures. Jellyfish threaten fish stocks by devouring eggs and larvae.
After a week of intense debate, FAO GFCM members adopted a series of binding recommendations and resolutions on a number of regional priorities to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources in the Mediterranean and Black Sea.