Hilborn, R., et al. “Effective fisheries management instrumental in improving fish stock status”, PNAS, 117(4), 2020. 2218-2224.
This study provides one of the most comprehensive global assessments of fish stock trends, analysing scientifically assessed stocks that together represent about half of the world’s marine fish catch. The authors show that, on average, fish stocks are increasing and are now at or above target levels in regions where fisheries are intensively and effectively managed. In contrast, regions with weaker or less-developed management systems tend to have much higher fishing pressure and significantly lower stock abundance. The analysis demonstrates a strong link between management intensity, reduced fishing pressure and stock recovery, confirming that overfished stocks generally rebuild when fishing pressure is lowered. Overall, the paper concludes that effective, science-based fisheries management is instrumental in improving fish stock status, and that expanding such management approaches is key to sustaining fisheries, food security and marine ecosystems worldwide.
