May 29, 2024 — NOAA Fisheries has released the Annual Report to Congress on the Status of U.S. Fisheries. The report highlights the successful management of U.S. fisheries and the broad economic impact of commercial and recreational fisheries on the U.S. economy.
Sustainable U.S. fisheries play an essential role in the nation’s economy. They provide commercial, recreational, and subsistence fishing opportunities and sustainable seafood for consumers.
NOAA Fisheries’ 2023 Status of Stocks shows continued progress in science and management for U.S. fisheries. Key takeaways include:
- 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