Mediterranean & Black Sea Fish Stocks: Recovery Progress Amid Persistent Threats (FAO 2025 Report)

The FAO’s 2025 biennial report reveals mixed progress in Mediterranean and Black Sea fisheries [1]. Fishing pressure dropped by 50% since 2013, doubling sustainably fished stocks, but 52% of assessed stocks remain overexploited—reflecting historical overfishing lag and uneven management [1]. Aquaculture (2.97M tonnes, $9.3B 2023) faces climate threats (heatwaves, disease), while small producers struggle with licensing barriers [1].

• Cross-Domain Link
  : Sustainable management supports $21.5B annual value and 1.17M jobs [1].
• Unified Climate Risk
  : Warming waters threaten both wild stocks and aquaculture [1].
• Regional Stakeholder
  : Turkey’s 31% landing share underscores its critical role [1].

• Climate-driven aquaculture yield losses risk seafood security [1].
• 52% overexploited stocks threaten biodiversity if gaps persist [1].
• Licensing complexities limit small producer adaptation [1].

• Scaling science-based management can boost recovery and economic benefits [1].
• Climate-resilient aquaculture can meet 2050 demand growth [1].

• Recovery: 50% fishing pressure reduction, doubled sustainable stocks [1].
• Economic Impact: $21.5B annual value, 1.17M jobs [1].
• Climate Threats: Aquaculture vulnerability to heat/disease [1].
• Demand: 14-29% increase needed by 2050 [1].