More than 35% of the world's marine fish stocks remain overfished, according to a landmark report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), underscoring the urgent need for science-based management to reverse ecological and economic risks. Released at the UN Ocean Conference, the Review of the State of World Marine Fishery Resources 2025 reveals stark regional disparities in sustainability efforts.
While 64.5% of global fish stocks are harvested within sustainable limits, overfishing persists in critical zones like the Southeast Pacific (46% sustainability) and Eastern Central Atlantic (47.4%). In contrast, the Antarctic region reported 100% sustainable fishing practices among assessed stocks, and the Northeast Pacific achieved a 92.7% sustainability rate, demonstrating the effectiveness of long-term management strategies.
FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu emphasized that data-driven policies are key to recovery. "This review equips governments with evidence to coordinate coherent action," he said, noting the participation of 650 experts from 92 countries in analyzing 2,570 fish stocks.
The report warns that global overfishing has risen by 1% annually in recent years, threatening food security and marine biodiversity. However, it highlights success stories in regions adopting rigorous monitoring and ecosystem-based approaches, offering a blueprint for balancing ecological preservation with economic needs.
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Over one third of global marine fish stocks still overfished, FAO says
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