The global share of sustainable fish stocks has increased, with 64.5% now fished at biologically safe levels but the remaining stocks are overfished. This gives a clear signal for urgent reforms, according to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization.
The The Review of the state of world marine fishery resources – 2025 report delivers a mixed picture of global marine fisheries. It highlights success under science-based governance. It also points out ongoing threats from overfishing and mismanagement. It shows that when countries enforce robust science-based rules, fish stocks recover. Then sustainable food systems begin to take root effectively.
REGIONAL INSIGHTS SHOW WHERE GOVERNANCE WORKS
The Northeast Pacific leads with 92.7% of fish stocks sustainably managed—showing how long-term investment and ecosystem-based governance can yield measurable results. In the Southwest Pacific, 85% of individual stocks are sustainable. The Antarctic boasts a 100% sustainability rate. This is thanks to international cooperation and ecosystem-based frameworks.
By contrast, regions like the Southeast Pacific and Eastern Central Atlantic struggle. These areas suffer from weak institutions, data gaps, and limited regulatory enforcement.
SOME SEAS SHOW RECOVERY—OTHERS NEED HELP
The Mediterranean and Black Sea are improving slowly. Although just 35.1% of stocks are sustainable, fishing pressure has dropped 30% since 2013.
Biomass in these regions has also risen 15%, indicating that regional cooperation and national reforms are starting to pay off—but sustained efforts are necessary. Unfortunately, small-scale fisheries remain especially vulnerable. These operations are vital to local economies but often lack monitoring systems and funding to achieve long-term sustainability.
SPECIES-LEVEL TRENDS: TUNA SHOWS STRENGTH, DEEP-SEA FISH UNDER THREAT
Among the most landed species—including skipjack tuna, anchoveta, and Alaska pollock—60% of assessed stocks are sustainable, contributing to 85.8% of global landings by volume.
Tuna species lead the way in sustainability. 87% of tuna stocks are healthy. 99% of tuna catches come from well-managed fisheries. However, deep-sea species remain deeply vulnerable. Only 29% of these stocks are sustainably fished due to poor enforcement and the difficulty of deep-ocean monitoring.
MIGRATORY SPECIES STILL FACE MAJOR CHALLENGES
Highly migratory sharks remain under threat. Though 57% of assessed stocks are sustainable, inconsistent international governance hampers comprehensive protection strategies.
These species often fall through the cracks of national legislation. This happens despite their ecological importance. They are vulnerable to overfishing in industrial tuna operations. The FAO urges nations to close these legal loopholes. It also calls for investment in multilateral action. This will help protect migratory marine species more effectively.
THE NEED TO CLOSE DATA AND CAPACITY GAPS
The report acknowledges major progress in data collection. However, it notes significant blind spots in small-scale and artisanal fisheries. This is especially true in the Global South.
Insufficient monitoring at landing sites leads to unreliable stock assessments. This makes it difficult for nations to allocate resources and also complicates making evidence-based management decisions. Closing these gaps requires better funding, training, and international cooperation—particularly in coastal communities that depend on fisheries for food and economic survival.
URGENCY FOR POLICY ACTION: THE NEXT STEPS
FAO’s Blue Transformation strategy calls for resilient aquatic food systems that increase food security and improve livelihoods while preserving biodiversity.
The report presents a roadmap. The science is clear. Governments must act now—scaling what works and investing in regions where sustainability still lags behind. Ultimately, sustainable marine fisheries are not only possible—they are already happening. The challenge now is making those outcomes universal and lasting for future generations.
