At the historic harbor of Port Lympia in Nice, as delegates with their lanyards and iPads moved by and yachts gently bobbed, the statistic shared by Manuel Barange, Assistant Director-General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), on the third day of the summit was a reminder of the increasing pressure on the world’s oceans due to overfishing, climate change, and unsustainable management.
During a press conference at the dock, Mr. Barange presented the “Review of the State of World Marine Fishery Resources 2025,” which is based on data from 2,570 marine fish stocks – the widest range used by FAO so far. The report provides a comprehensive global overview of how human activities are depleting the ocean, while also highlighting the potential for sound management to restore it.
Mr. Barange compared the situation to banking, stating that humans are taking out more than what the ocean can replenish. He added that the populations of fish are being depleted.
The report reveals a complex scenario, with over a third of fish stocks being overexploited. However, thanks to improved yields from well-managed fisheries, 77% of the fish consumed globally come from sustainable sources.
Mr. Barange stated that management strategies have been effective in rebuilding fish populations. He also highlighted significant regional disparities, with over 90% of stocks being sustainably fished in the Pacific coast of the United States and Canada, and over 85% in Australia and New Zealand. In contrast, over half of the stocks along the northwest coast of Africa, from Morocco to the Gulf of Guinea, are overfished with little sign of recovery. The Mediterranean and Black Sea fare even worse, with 65% of stocks being unsustainable. However, there is a glimmer of hope as the number of fishing boats has decreased by almost a third in the past decade, indicating that policy changes may be taking effect.
According to Mr. Barange, the lesson to be learned is that where management systems are in place and supported by resources, fish populations can recover.
However, implementing science-based management can be costly. Mr. Barange stated that some regions do not have the necessary infrastructure, resources, and institutions to support it. He added that it is crucial to build capacity in these regions and support them in rebuilding their fish populations.
One success story is the recovery of tuna, which was once on the brink of extinction. Today, 87% of major tuna stocks are sustainably fished, and 99% of the global market comes from these stocks. Mr. Barange attributed this turnaround to the implementation of management and compliance systems.
The full report by FAO is expected to influence policy discussions beyond Nice. The agency has worked closely with 25 regional fisheries management organizations to promote accountability and reform. Mr. Barange believes that this model can be replicated if there is enough political will.
As the conference, known as UNOC3, nears its end, countries have finalized negotiations on a political declaration that will be adopted on Friday. The declaration will form part of the Nice Ocean Action Plan and align with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to protect 30% of the planet’s land and ocean by 2030.
As the temperature rises in the stone quays of Nice, a city located in one of Europe’s most climate-vulnerable regions, sustainable fisheries have taken center stage in the conference halls. Action panels have focused on supporting small-scale fishers and promoting inclusive ocean economies. Delegates are discussing how to balance conservation goals with social equity, especially in regions where millions rely on fishing for survival.
Mr. Barange emphasized that humans are not separate from the ocean, but a part of it. He stated that 600 million people worldwide depend on fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihoods, and aquatic animals are the primary source of protein in some countries.
As the conference concludes, FAO’s warning serves as a reminder that one-third of the world’s fish stocks are still under significant pressure. However, the data also provide evidence that recovery is possible, which is a message that aligns with UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ statement on the first day of the summit: that what was lost in a generation can be regained in a generation.