Are Many of the World's Marine Fisheries Under Pressure?
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Synopsis
A recent FAO report highlights the state of marine fisheries around the globe, showing that while some are on the mend thanks to effective management, many continue to suffer under pressure. Discover what this means for future sustainability and the urgent need for action.
Key Takeaways
- 64.5% of fishery stocks are sustainably fished.
- 35.5% of stocks are overfished.
- In the Northeast Pacific, 92.7% of stocks are sustainably managed.
- Fishing pressure in the Mediterranean has dropped 30%.
- Biomass in the Mediterranean has increased by 15% since 2013.
Nice (France), June 11 (NationPress) A recent report from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), unveiled at the UN Ocean Conference, indicates that while some of the world's marine fisheries are showing signs of recovery thanks to robust, science-based management, numerous others continue to face significant challenges.
This highlights the potential of effective governance and the critical need to replicate successful strategies.
The review, titled State of World Marine Fishery Resources - 2025, evaluates the biological sustainability of 2,570 fish stocks, marking a notable increase compared to prior reports.
Compiled with insights from over 650 experts across more than 200 institutions and 90 countries, this inclusive report examines trends across all FAO marine fishing zones, providing the most comprehensive overview yet of the health of global marine fisheries.
The findings reveal that 64.5 percent of all fishery stocks are being exploited at biologically sustainable levels, while 35.5 percent are categorized as overfished.
When factoring in production levels, 77.2 percent of global fisheries landings originate from biologically sustainable stocks.
In regions with effective fisheries management, sustainability rates significantly exceed the global average.
For instance, in the Northeast Pacific, an impressive 92.7 percent of stocks are sustainably fished.
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu stated, "Effective management remains the most powerful tool for conserving fisheries resources. This review offers an unprecedentedly comprehensive understanding, enabling data-driven decision-making."
He added, "This report provides governments with the evidence necessary to shape policies and coordinate effectively."
Globally, nearly two-thirds of marine stocks are fished within biologically sustainable levels, but overfishing has been increasing at an average rate of about one percent annually.
Moreover, the disparity between well-managed and poorly managed areas is stark.
Long-term investment and strong management frameworks in the Northeast Pacific (Area 67) and Southwest Pacific (Area 81) have yielded sustainability rates of 92.7 percent and 85 percent respectively, accounting for approximately 99 percent and 95.7 percent of landings in these regions for the year 2021.
In the Antarctic (Areas 48, 58, and 88), all assessed stocks are fished sustainably for the first time, demonstrating the potential of ecosystem-based management and international collaboration.
David Agnew, Executive Secretary of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, remarked, "Positive outcomes in regions like the Antarctic, Northeast Pacific, and Southwest Pacific illustrate the benefits of strong institutions, comprehensive monitoring, and the integration of scientific data into management strategies."
Encouragingly, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea (Area 37) are exhibiting early signs of recovery, with only 35.1 percent of stocks being sustainably fished. However, fishing pressure has decreased by 30 percent, and biomass has increased by 15 percent since 2013.
This progress indicates that regional cooperation and national initiatives are beginning to yield positive outcomes.
(Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)
Point of View
I see the FAO's report as a clarion call for urgent action. It is imperative that we heed the lessons from regions that have successfully implemented sustainable management practices. The disparity between well-managed and underperforming fisheries is stark, and we must advocate for policies that promote sustainability to secure our marine resources for generations to come.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of fish stocks are sustainably fished?
According to the FAO report, 64.5 percent of all fishery stocks are exploited within biologically sustainable levels.
Which regions show the best sustainability rates?
The Northeast Pacific has the highest sustainability rate at 92.7 percent, followed by the Southwest Pacific with 85 percent.
What is the trend of overfishing globally?
Overfishing has been increasing at an average rate of about one percent per year.
How have fishing pressures changed in the Mediterranean and Black Sea?
Fishing pressure has decreased by 30 percent, and biomass has risen by 15 percent since 2013 in the Mediterranean and Black Sea.
What role does effective management play in fisheries sustainability?
Effective fisheries management is the most powerful tool for conserving resources and ensuring sustainability, as highlighted by the FAO report.
