The Global Fishing Index, published by the Minderoo Foundation, has found a tenth of the global fish population is on the brink of collapse, after being reduced to just 10% of its original size as a result of overfishing. The report, which involved 500 fisheries experts, found nearly half of the 1465 assessed fish stocks had been overfished, leaving less than 40% of unfished populations.
The report looked at 142 coastal countries, giving each a grade, depending on the nation’s work on fishing sustainability. 82% of countries were graded either a ‘D’ or an ‘E’. Six countries were graded a ‘C’, including the U.S, Norway and Chile. 20 countries, including Vietnam and Malaysia, were graded an F. No country was graded an ‘A’ or ‘B’.
Australia received a ‘D’ grade for fishing sustainability after the report found the country had overfished nearly 40% of local fish stocks. Australia was ranked 24.9 out of 100 on sustainable fishing capability. The report clarified, “Australia needs to apply strong management and increase knowledge of fish stocks across all fisheries in its waters.”
