The State of Global Stocks
According to the FAO, approximately 35.4% of global fish stocks are overfished, meaning they are fished at biologically unsustainable levels. This figure has risen steadily from 10% in 1974.
Stock Recovery Calculator
Data & Modeling
| Region | Proportion of Overfished Stocks (%) |
|---|---|
| Mediterranean & Black Sea | 62.5% |
| Southeast Pacific | 54.5% |
| Southwest Atlantic | 53.3% |
| Northeast Pacific | 13.3% |
Common Misconceptions
A frequent error in media interpretation is confusing localized transient effects with global secular trends. The figures demonstrated here isolate the multi-decadal signal from seasonal noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this reversible?
On human timescales, highly unlikely. The thermal inertia of the ocean means impacts will persist for centuries even if emissions cease immediately.
How accurate are these figures?
Based on the latest AR6 synthesis and prevailing primary literature. Uncertainties are inherent in coupled non-linear climate models.