The number of stocks on NOAA Fisheries’ overfishing list has declined from 23 to 15 – an all-time low.
The agency’s Status of the Stocks report is an annual report to Congress summarizing the overfishing or overfished status of the 522 stocks or stock complexes it tracks. In its fiscal year 2025 report, the agency removed eight stocks from its overfishing list – Atlantic blue marlin; Gulf of Mexico greater amberjack and gag; Mid-Atlantic summer flounder; Western and Central Pacific silky hark; and Southern Atlantic snowy grouper, gag, and blueline tilefish – and added no new stocks. That leaves just 15, or 4 percent, of the 522 stocks on the overfishing list.
This marks the first time Atlantic blue marlin has been removed from the overfishing list since 1998. NOAA Fisheries credited the work of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) in reducing catch levels internationally, while in the U.S., regulators have prohibited commercial landings.
“Together, we have made a significant achievement with the help of our fishermen, and we will continue to work with ICCAT and member nations to prevent future overfishing and rebuild this stock,” NOAA Fisheries said in its report.
The number of stocks on the agency’s overfished list remains unchanged at 42, however. Two stocks – Washington coast Chinook salmon and California quillback rockfish – were removed, while two others – the Northern subpopulation of Pacific sardine and the South Atlantic scamp and yellowmouth grouper complex – were added. The Pacific Fishery Management Council recently moved to redefine the Pacific sardine stock by combining the Northern and Southern subpopulations, which would likely change that designation.
California quillback rockfish was also reported as a rebuilt stock – bringing the total number of rebuilt stocks since 2000 to 52.
The South Atlantic scamp and yellowmouth grouper complex was also one of two stocks to receive a status determination for the first time, the other being the Puerto Rico triggerfishes complex, which was reported as not overfished.
NOAA Fisheries completed 173 stock assessments in fiscal year 2025. The agency lists 47 stocks as being in rebuilding plans, 10 of which are no longer overfished but continue to rebuild towards a target biomass level.
“Despite the complex challenges associated with fishery management, we continually work with our partners to adapt our management responses with innovative solutions using the most updated scientific information available,” NOAA Fisheries said in its report. “We are committed to reducing the number of overfished stocks and those subject to overfishing and rebuild stocks to support sustainable fisheries and vibrant coastal economies.”
