The global food system relies heavily on aquatic animals. However, the growing demand for fish places significant environmental pressure on marine and freshwater ecosystems, raising concerns about the sustainability of current production levels. The resulting impacts include the overexploitation of fish stocks, major losses in biodiversity, and destructive fishing practices.
Sources
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Frequently asked questions
What are the key facts about global fishing and overfishing?
38% of global fish stocks were overfished in 2021 — more than ever before. Up to 2.3 trillion wild fish are caught each year (fish are usually counted by weight, not number). Industrial fishing operates across more than 55% of the global ocean — four times the area used by agriculture on land. Studied coral-reef fish show an 85% overfishing rate; sharks and rays have declined 71% since 1970.
How much of the world’s fish stocks are overfished?
38% of global fish stocks were overfished in 2021 — more than ever before. Fish are usually counted by weight rather than number, which obscures the scale: up to 2.3 trillion wild fish are caught each year, placing intense pressure on ocean ecosystems already at or beyond sustainable limits.
What is the environmental impact of global fishing?
Industrial fishing operates across more than 55% of the global ocean — four times the area used by agriculture on land — driving steep biodiversity loss. Studies report an 85% overfishing rate among studied coral-reef fish, a 71% decline in sharks and rays since 1970, plus widespread bycatch, habitat damage and abandoned “ghost” fishing gear.