NOAA today announced the release of the 2018 State of U.S. Fisheries Annual Report to Congress, which details the status of 479 federally-managed stocks or stock complexes to identify which stocks are subject to overfishing, are overfished, or are rebuilt to sustainable levels.
The report finds that the number of known stocks on the overfishing list remain near a record low of 9%, 18% of known stocks are listed as overfished, and one previously overfished stock (Gulf of Maine smooth skate) was rebuilt. The report also highlights efforts in 2018 to reduce regulatory constraints and improve stock assessments by incorporating new scientific tools, increasing the use of innovative data collection and analysis techniques, and creating timelier stock assessment processes.
Asst. Sec. of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere/Deputy NOAA Admin. Tim Gallaudet called the U.S. “an international leader in fisheries management” and said that “through our work in partnership with the regional councils, we’re on track to maintain that high standard.”
National Marine Fisheries Service Admin. Chris Oliver added that “[w]e are well positioned to meet the sustainability challenges of today and tomorrow thanks to the hard work of our fishermen, fishing communities, scientists and many other partners.”
