Finland's and Sweden's shares are allocated to the Community which is responsible for their management. The International Baltic Sea Fisheries Commission's conservation rules become Community law by regulations adopted by the Council of Ministers. Fishing pressure makes Mediterranean-wide conservation measures necessary. Based on the recognition of the interdependence of ecosystems, it involves coordinating plans aimed at sustainable development across the sectors involved. The narrowness of the Mediterranean continental shelf has influenced the nature of fishing in the region.
Most fisheries take place in the coastal band and involve a high number of small vessels.
Highly migratory species, such as tuna, are also to be found offshore. The main fisheries are for hake, sea bream, sole, red mullet, sardines and anchovies as well as bluefin tuna, albacore and swordfish. All Mediterranean countries are involved in fisheries, as are a few third countries fishing mainly for tuna. The narrow continental shelf partly explains why most Mediterranean coastal States have not extended their exclusive fisheries limits beyond the 12 nautical miles considered as territorial waters. Nonetheless, a number of Community's conservation measures have been put into place.