Highlights and Challenges for Sustainable Fisheries

Highlights and Challenges for Sustainable Fisheries

The 2024 Fishery Status Reports, published by ABARES (Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences), reveal that the majority of Commonwealth fish stocks remain well-managed, with most stocks not being overfished or subject to overfishing. The annual report provides an independent assessment of the biological and economic health of Commonwealth-managed fisheries.

ABARES Executive Director, Dr Jared Greenville, emphasized the positive overall results, stating that of the 102 stocks assessed, only 3 changed status compared to the previous

ABARES Executive Director, Dr Jared Greenville

year. In total, 67 stocks were classified as not overfished, while 75 stocks were classified as not subject to overfishing, matching last year’s outcome.

Key Challenges Highlighted in the Report

The report underscores several pressures facing sustainable fisheries management, particularly:

• Climate change impacts: Ongoing climate shifts are affecting marine ecosystems, posing significant challenges to fisheries management.
• Data quality and availability: There has been a decline in the quantity and quality of data needed to carry out comprehensive stock assessments, leading to increased uncertainty.

Dr Greenville noted a rise in the number of stocks with uncertain status, as well as a slight increase in stocks classified as overfished or subject to overfishing. This trend highlights the need for consistent monitoring and the importance of adaptive management systems to ensure long-term sustainability.

Despite these challenges, Dr Greenville stressed that the Commonwealth fisheries management systems are robust and well-positioned to address the pressures and ensure the sustainability of Australia’s fish stocks.

For more information and to access the full report, visit: ABARES Fishery Status Reports 2024.