Yellowfin tuna. Photo courtesy of Bryan Gregson
NOAA Fisheries has released its Annual Report to Congress on the Status of U.S. Fisheries. This report highlights some examples of successful management of U.S. fisheries and the broad economic impact of commercial and recreational fisheries on the U.S. economy. NOAA Fisheries’ 2023 Status of Stocks shows continued progress in science and management for U.S. fisheries. Key takeaways including:
The number of stocks on the overfishing list decreased by three stocks, reaching an all-time low number of 21 stocks on the overfishing list.
The number of stocks on the overfished list decreased by one stock, to 47.
94 percent of stocks were not subject to overfishing, an all-time high.
82 percent were not overfished.
Since 2000, 50 stocks have been rebuilt
At the same time, while this snapshot shows progress in some fisheries, long-term trends reveal that many fish stocks aren’t rebuilding.
The report underscores the urgent need to address climate change which is fundamentally changing our ocean. From warming waters to acidification, climate-related impacts are jeopardizing the ability of fish to grow and thrive. Climate change makes the task of rebuilding stocks harder—but it is also more important than ever as abundant fish populations are more resilient to climate pressures.
Read the report. Celebrate the good news but pay attention to the need to rebuild all stocks.