A recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) shows mixed results for global fish stocks. While some regions are seeing positive trends, others remain under significant pressure. The FAO’s review highlights the importance of effective fisheries management. In regions like the Northeast Pacific, over 90% of fish stocks are fished sustainably. This success is due to strong governance and scientific management. However, deep-sea species and parts of the Atlantic Ocean continue to face challenges. According to the review, 64.5% of fish stocks worldwide are exploited sustainably. Yet, 35.5% of stocks are classified as overfished. The report covers 2,570 individual fish stocks and is based on contributions from over 650 experts across more than 200 institutions. It offers the clearest picture of the state of global marine fisheries to date. The report reveals that in well-managed fisheries, sustainability rates are significantly higher than the global average. In the Northeast Pacific, for example, 92.7% of fish stocks are sustainably fished. Similarly, the Antarctic region shows promise, with 100% of assessed stocks being sustainably fished for the first time. These areas benefit from strong institutions and consistent monitoring. They also use scientific evidence to make informed management decisions. Meanwhile, the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions show early signs of recovery. Fishing pressure has decreased by 30%, and biomass has increased by 15% since 2013. However, not all regions are progressing equally. The Southeast Pacific and Central-Eastern Atlantic are lagging behind. In these areas, only 46% and 47.4% of fish stocks are sustainably fished, respectively. These regions are crucial for food security and employment, especially for small-scale fishers. The report also highlights the vulnerability of deep-sea species. Only 29% of these stocks are sustainably fished. Additionally, highly migratory sharks, often caught unintentionally, face recovery challenges due to inconsistent management. The FAO urges countries to improve data collection and management systems. It calls for a science-based approach to ensure that fisheries remain on track. The report’s findings emphasize the need for urgent action. Governments must scale up successful management strategies to protect fish stocks for the future. This is part of the FAO’s broader goal of creating sustainable aquatic food systems that enhance global food security and improve livelihoods. In conclusion, while there are positive trends in some regions, overfishing remains a significant concern. Effective management and international cooperation are key to ensuring the sustainability of our oceans.