Earlier this year, NOAA Fisheries released their Annual Report to Congress on the Status of U.S. Fisheries, highlighting what the federal agency called “successful management of U.S. fisheries and the broad economic impact of commercial and recreational fisheries on the U.S. economy.”
In an online post in May, NOAA Fisheries noted how sustainable U.S. fisheries play an important role in the nation’s economy. “They provide opportunities for commercial, recreational, and subsistence fishing, and sustainable seafood for consumers,” NOAA Fisheries stated, explaining how the report provides a “snapshot” of the status of U.S. fisheries at the end of 2023.
NOAA Fisheries’ 2023 Status of Stocks shows continued progress in science and management for U.S. fisheries, with the following key takeaways:
- 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
“By ending overfishing and rebuilding stocks, we are strengthening the value of U.S. fisheries to the economy, our communities, and marine ecosystems,” NOAA Fisheries added. The full report can be accessed at 2023 Status of Stocks Report.
