The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has just presented their 2022 Report to Congress on the Status of U.S. Fisheries. “This report highlights the achievements of NMFS, the eight Regional Fishery Management Councils (Councils), and our other partners. In 2022, the number of stocks on the overfishing list decreased slightly, the number of overfished stocks also slightly decreased, and two stocks were rebuilt,” the agency said in an April web post.
There key takeaways from the NOAA Fisheries report include:
- 93 percent of stocks are not subject to overfishing and 81 percent are not overfished
- The overfishing list included 24 stocks and the overfished list included 48 stocks, which are decreases from 2021
- Two stocks were rebuilt, bringing the total to 49 rebuilt stocks since 2000
“We continue to implement management measures that will end overfishing, rebuild overfished stocks, and sustain our fisheries for future generations,” the agency web posting reads, adding “Sound science, an increasing focus on climate-informed management, effective enforcement, meaningful partnerships, and public engagement drive our success in managing the most sustainable fisheries in the world.” Learn more at www.fisheries.noaa.gov/sustainable-fisheries/status-stocks-2022.
