Marine fisheries across the globe show a mixed picture of recovery and overexploitation, according to a new FAO report launched at the UN Ocean Conference. The 2025 edition of the Review of the State of World Marine Fishery Resources reveals that while nearly two-thirds (64.5%) of global fish stocks are within biologically sustainable limits, over a third (35.5%) remain overfished. When weighed by production, 77.2% of global fisheries landings come from sustainable sources — indicating that higher-volume fisheries are often better managed.
This review covers 2,570 fish stocks, the highest number ever, with contributions from over 650 experts across 90 countries. It shows a clear correlation between strong science-based fisheries management and sustainability.
Regions like the Northeast Pacific and Southwest Pacific, with sustainability rates of 92.7% and 85% respectively, are leading examples of how robust governance and long-term investment deliver results.
The Antarctic, included in the report for the first time, shows 100% of its assessed stocks are sustainably fished, a testament to effective international cooperation and ecosystem-based practices.
FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu called the report “an unprecedentedly comprehensive understanding” of global fisheries, urging governments to use the evidence for smarter policymaking. Regional successes like the Mediterranean and Black Sea are showing early signs of improvement, with reduced fishing pressure and increasing fish biomass.
However, other regions such as the Southeast Pacific and Eastern Central Atlantic continue to face challenges. In these areas, where small-scale fisheries play a vital role in food security and livelihoods, progress is slow due to weak institutions, fragmented governance, and limited data.
The report also breaks down sustainability by species. Among the ten most landed marine species, including anchoveta, Alaska pollock, and skipjack tuna, 60% of stocks are sustainable. Tuna and tuna-like species stand out, with 87% of assessed stocks sustainable and 99% of their catch coming from sustainable sources.
However, deep-sea species remain highly vulnerable, with just 29% fished sustainably. Highly migratory sharks are another concern, with inconsistent global management hindering recovery.
Despite improved data coverage, FAO highlights persistent gaps, especially in small-scale fisheries. It calls for stronger investment in data systems, capacity building, and science-led governance to secure long-term sustainability. “We now have the clearest picture ever of marine fisheries,” said Qu. “The next step is clear, scale up what works and act with urgency. This is the essence of FAO’s Blue Transformation.”
