The FAO event will highlight the importance of sustainable fisheries management in conserving marine resources globally. It will showcase the main aspects of the updated FAO stock assessment methodology, created through a comprehensive, collaborative process, where experts will discuss its implications.

Access to reliable data about fish stocks is critical for effective fisheries management and ensuring the sustainability of the world’s marine fisheries. For many years, FAO has released information about the state of fish stocks at regional levels, including in its flagship publication, the State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA). Stock status has proven to be instrumental in various global initiatives, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.

The updated FAO methodology for assessing fisheries stocks to improve the sustainability and management of global fishery resources, developed through stakeholder consultation, combines advanced scientific techniques with traditional assessment practices to comprehensively evaluate fish populations, considering the various realities of the existing fisheries.