NOAA Fisheries just released its annual Status of the Stocks report, revealing a milestone achievement: the lowest number of fish stocks on the overfishing list in 2023. This report, evaluating the health of the 506 stocks managed by NOAA Fisheries, is crucial for assessing the U.S. fisheries' overall well-being.
The data for 2023 shows promising trends: 94% of stocks are not overfished, and 82% are not subject to overfishing, indicating slight improvements from the previous year. Notably, the number of stocks on the overfishing list hit an all-time low of 21, with a decrease of three stocks, while the overfished list saw a decrease of one stock, totaling 47. Over the years, NOAA Fisheries has successfully rebuilt 50 stocks since 2000.
NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad emphasized the significance of ending overfishing and rebuilding stocks, highlighting their crucial role in strengthening the economy, supporting communities, and preserving marine ecosystems. The latest Fisheries Economics of the United States report for 2022 underscores the substantial impact of U.S. commercial and recreational fishing, supporting 2.3 million jobs and generating $321 billion in sales.
Assistant Administrator Janet Coit emphasized the adaptive nature of sustainable fisheries management, emphasizing the importance of sound science, innovative approaches, effective enforcement, and robust partnerships. NOAA Fisheries collaborates with U.S. Regional Fishery Management Councils and Interstate Fisheries Commissions to implement dynamic, science-based management processes that have proven successful in ending overfishing and rebuilding stocks.
Since 1996, NOAA Fisheries has been reporting on the status of U.S. fisheries, fulfilling the requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. This transparent reporting serves as a vital tool for fisheries managers and the public to gauge the effectiveness of current management measures.
In an ever-changing environment impacted by climate, weather, and water conditions, NOAA's mission remains focused on understanding, predicting, and managing America's coastal and marine resources to ensure a sustainable future.
Source: NOAA (May 2, 2024). Status of the stocks: Record-low number of stocks on overfishing list in 2023. https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/status-of-stocks-record-low-number-of-stocks-on-overfishing-list-in-2023
