The FAO urges countries to invest in data collection and management systems, adopt science-based approaches, and bridge capacity gaps

Global Fisheries Report Reveals Mixed Fortunes: Sustainability Gains Amidst Ongoing Pressures

WORLDWIDE
Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 06:00 (GMT + 9)

FAO's Comprehensive New Assessment Highlights Critical Role of Effective Management in Ocean Recovery While Warning of Persistent Overfishing

ROME, Italy – A landmark report released today by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) at the UN Ocean Conference provides the clearest picture yet of the world's marine fisheries. The "Review of the state of world marine fishery resources – 2025" reveals that while strong, science-based management is leading to recovery in some regions, many fish stocks worldwide remain under intense pressure, underscoring the urgent need to replicate successful governance models.

The expanded assessment analyzed the biological sustainability of 2,570 individual fish stocks—a significant increase from previous editions—with insights from over 650 experts across more than 200 institutions and 90 countries. It confirms that 64.5% of all fishery stocks are exploited within biologically sustainable levels, with 35.5% classified as overfished. Encouragingly, when weighted by production, 77.2% of global fishery landings originate from sustainable stocks.

Where Management Works, Fish Stocks Thrive

The report emphasizes that effective fisheries management is the "most powerful tool for conserving fisheries resources," as stated by FAO Director-General QU Dongyu. In marine fishing areas with robust management, sustainability rates far surpass the global average. For instance, the Northeast Pacific (Area 67) boasts an impressive 92.7% of sustainably fished stocks, accounting for an estimated 99% of its 2021 landings. Similarly, the Southwest Pacific (Area 81) shows an 85% sustainability rate.

The Antarctic (Areas 48, 58, and 88), included for the first time in this report, stands out with 100% of assessed stocks fished sustainably. This achievement, though small in volume, demonstrates the potential of ecosystem-based management and international cooperation.

"Positive outcomes like the Antarctic, Northeast Pacific, and Southwest Pacific reflect the benefit for sustainable fishery management of having strong institutions, consistent and comprehensive monitoring, the integration of scientific evidence into management decisions and the implementation of precautionary and ecosystem-based approaches,” explained David Agnew, Executive Secretary of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.

The Mediterranean and Black Sea (Area 37) show early signs of recovery, with fishing pressure dropping 30% and biomass rising 15% since 2013, despite only 35.1% of stocks being sustainably fished. This indicates that regional cooperation and national efforts are beginning to yield positive results.

Challenges Persist in Vulnerable Regions and Species

However, not all areas are on track. In regions like the Southeast Pacific (Area 87) and the Eastern Central Atlantic (Area 34), where fisheries are crucial for food security and livelihoods, only 46% and 47.4% of stocks, respectively, are sustainably fished. These areas often face limitations in institutional capacity, fragmented governance, and significant data gaps.

Click on the image to enlarge it

At the species level, tuna and tuna-like species are performing exceptionally well, with 87% of assessed stocks sustainable and 99% of landings from sustainable sources. This success is attributed to strong, science-based management.

In contrast, deep-sea species remain highly vulnerable, with only 29% of stocks fished sustainably. The report also raises concerns about highly migratory sharks, frequently caught as bycatch in tuna fisheries. Despite 57% of their assessed stocks being sustainable, the lack of consistent international management continues to impede recovery efforts for these species.

Click on the image to enlarge it

Urgent Call for Data Investment and Global Collaboration

Despite major advances in data coverage, significant gaps persist, particularly in small-scale fisheries, which contribute to assessment uncertainties. The FAO urges countries to invest in data collection and management systems, adopt science-based approaches, and bridge capacity gaps to ensure fisheries remain sustainable.

"We now have the clearest picture ever of the state of marine fisheries. The evidence shows what works and where we are falling short,” Qu Dongyu concluded. “The next step is clear: governments must scale up what works and act with urgency to ensure marine fisheries deliver for people and planet. This is the essence of FAO’s Blue Transformation, a call to build more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable aquatic food systems."

[email protected]
www.seafood.media

Print