Maritime ministers and high-level representatives from Mediterranean countries have signed a historic declaration to address the fisheries crisis in the region.

The ministerial declaration, Malta MedFish4Ever, will be the blueprint for cooperation and sustainable development of fisheries for all coastal states in the Mediterranean over the next 10 years.

The agreement comes just months before the global Our Ocean Conference 2017, which will take place in October and will be hosted by the EU for the first time.

The declaration sets out a detailed work programme for the next 10 years, based on ambitious but realistic targets. Over 300,000 persons are directly employed on fishing vessels in the Mediterranean, while many more indirect jobs depend on the sector.

Commissioner Karmenu Vella, responsible for the Environment, Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, said: “Today we are making history. In signing the Malta MedFish4Ever Declaration, we are affirming our political will to deliver action: on fisheries and other activities that have an impact on fisheries resources, on the blue economy, on social inclusion, and on solidarity between the northern and southern shores of the Mediterranean.

“I hope that this declaration will come to be seen as a turning point – for a bright future for fishermen, coastal communities and fishing resources alike.”

Oceana in a statement welcomed the political pact, which will now see countries commit to follow scientific advice, to ensure the sustainability of resources and the recovery of heavily overfished stocks.

“This declaration really is one for the history books. There is finally a political commitment to sort out Mediterranean fisheries once and for all. Rebuilding Mediterranean fish stocks and managing them sustainably will bring back fish to the Mediterranean Sea, where the potential for more food, more jobs and economic growth is massive,” said Lasse Gustavsson, executive director of Oceana in Europe.