FAO updates global overview of marine fish stocks – According to a report presented at the United Nations Ocean Conference by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), some global marine fisheries are recovering thanks to rigorous and scientific management, but many others remain under pressure. The report demonstrates how far effective governance can go and how urgently this progress needs to be replicated.
The Review of the State of the World’s Marine Fish Stocks – 2025 reports on the biological sustainability of 2,570 individual fish stocks, a significant increase from previous editions of the report. Based on contributions from over 650 experts from more than 200 institutions and over 90 countries, this participatory and inclusive report analyses trends in all FAO marine fisheries areas and provides the clearest picture to date of the state of global marine fisheries.
The report confirms that 64.5% of all fish stocks are exploited within biologically sustainable levels, while 35.5% of stocks are classified as overexploited. When weighted by production levels, 77.2% of global fish landings come from biologically sustainable stocks.
In marine fisheries that are effectively managed, sustainability rates far exceed the global average. In the North-East Pacific, for example, 92.7% of fish stocks are fished sustainably.
‘Effective management remains the most powerful tool for conserving fish stocks. This analysis provides unprecedented insight, enabling more informed and data-driven decision-making,’
said QU Dongyu, Director-General of the FAO. ‘
This report provides governments with the evidence they need to set policies and coordinate them in a coherent manner.’
Regional insights: where management works, fish stocks thrive
Nearly two-thirds of global marine stocks are exploited within biologically sustainable levels, and in recent years, overfishing has increased by an average of about 1% per year. Furthermore, the gap between well-managed areas and poorly performing areas remains evident.
In the North-East Pacific (Area 67) and South-West Pacific (Area 81), long-term investment and robust management frameworks are paying off. The sustainability rates of all individual stocks reach 92.7% and 85% respectively, and these stocks account for approximately 99% and 95.7% of 2021 landings in these regions.
In Antarctica (Areas 48, 58 and 88), 100% of assessed stocks are fished sustainably. This is the first time this region has been included in this report, and although small in size, these fisheries demonstrate what can be achieved through ecosystem-based management and international cooperation.
“Positive results such as those for Antarctica, the North-East Pacific and the South-West Pacific reflect the benefits to sustainable fisheries management of strong institutions, consistent and comprehensive monitoring, the integration of scientific evidence into management decisions, and the implementation of precautionary and ecosystem-based approaches,”
said David Agnew, executive secretary of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, who contributed to the review.
The Mediterranean and Black Sea (Area 37) are showing early signs of recovery. Although only 35.1% of stocks are fished sustainably, fishing pressure has decreased by 30% and biomass has increased by 15% since 2013. This shows that regional cooperation and national efforts are beginning to make a difference.
Not all sectors are on track. While some show concrete progress, others remain under severe pressure.
In the South-East Pacific (Area 87), only 46% of fish stocks are fished sustainably, while in the Central-Eastern Atlantic (Area 34) the figure stands at 47.4%. These regions include countries where fisheries are critical to food security and nutrition, employment and poverty reduction, particularly through small-scale and artisanal activities. However, with limited institutional capacity, fragmented governance and significant data gaps, these areas face steeper trade-offs and tighter constraints.
Results at species level: tuna stands out, deep-sea species under pressure
Among the 10 most landed marine species, including anchovy, Alaska pollock, skipjack tuna and Atlantic herring, 60% of assessed stocks are sustainable. When weighted by production volume, an estimated 85.8% of landings come from biologically sustainable stocks.
Tuna and similar species stand out, with 87% of stocks assessed as sustainable and 99% of landings coming from sustainable sources.
In these areas, a commitment to effective fisheries management, i.e. the application of science-based policies, regulatory measures and compliance systems, has ensured the sustainability of marine fisheries and the benefits they provide.
But not all species are doing as well. Deep-sea species remain vulnerable, with only 29% of stocks being exploited sustainably. The report also raises concerns about highly migratory sharks, which are often caught accidentally during tuna fishing. Although 57% of assessed stocks are sustainable, the lack of consistent international management continues to hamper recovery efforts.
Filling the gaps: turning science into action
Despite significant progress in data coverage, gaps remain, particularly in small-scale fisheries, where insufficient coverage of landing sites increases assessment uncertainties. FAO urges countries to invest in data collection and management systems and science-based approaches, as well as to fill capacity gaps and align sustainability goals, to keep fisheries on track.
‘We now have the clearest picture ever of the state of marine fisheries. The data show what works and where we are falling short,’ said Qu. “The next step is clear: governments must scale up what works and act urgently to ensure that marine fisheries benefit people and the planet. This is the essence of FAO’s Blue Transformation, a call to build more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable aquatic food systems to increase their contribution to global food security, meet nutritional requirements and improve the livelihoods of a growing population.”
FAO updates global overview of marine fish stocks
