Featured Report
87% of Global Tuna Catch Comes from Stocks at Healthy Levels; 2% Requires Stronger Management
Catch from Overfished Stocks Decreased By Eight Percentage Points Versus November 2024 Report
Of the total commercial tuna catch worldwide, 87% comes from stocks at “healthy” levels of abundance, according to the March 2025 ISSF Status of the Stocks report, marking a one-percentage-point decrease compared to previous November 2024 report findings. Overfished stocks account for 2% of the total catch—down eight percentage points from the last report. The percentage of the catch that came from stocks at an intermediate level of abundance is 10%—an eight-percentage-point increase from November 2024 findings.
Produced several times each year, the Status of the Stocks report presents a comprehensive analysis of tuna stocks by species. The Evaluation of the Sustainability of Global Tuna Stocks Relative to MSC Criteria provides scores for the stocks and RFMOs based on MSC assessment criteria. Together, these tools help define the continuous improvement achieved and the areas and issues that require more attention.
ICYMI
BLOG: Securing the Future of Eastern Pacific Tuna Fisheries
The Eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) is home to some of the world’s most productive tuna fisheries, supplying a vital source of protein to millions of people while sustaining coastal economies across the Americas and beyond. The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) plays a central role in ensuring these fisheries are managed sustainably. As delegates prepare for the IATTC’s 2025 Annual Meeting in September, ISSF is urging action on a set of science-driven priorities to safeguard the long-term health of tuna stocks and the ecosystems that support them.
Featured Resources
Verifying Seafood Industry Commitments
ISSF launched an in‑depth web feature spotlighting its ISSF Annual Conservation Measures & ProActive Vessel Register Compliance Report — an independent, third‑party audit report that benchmarks transparency and accountability among tuna companies and vessels.
The interactive feature highlights striking results: 99.6 % overall company compliance across 24 audited participants and a 77.5 % vessel pass rate on the ProActive Vessel Register. It also introduces first‑time audited outcomes for ISSF Conservation Measures 2.5 (transparency in reporting sustainable sourcing) and 1.3 (reducing Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna sourcing), underscoring progress in traceability and stock rebuilding efforts. Enhanced visuals detail roadmap commitments, audit scores, and vessel performance.
A Global View of Influence for Sustainable Fishing Policies
Beginning with a network of 24 leading seafood companies and extending to Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified tuna fisheries and tuna fishery improvement projects (FIPs) — including stakeholders that ISSF technical experts engage with — ISSF’s advocacy partnerships have a broad global reach and impact. An updated Web feature visualizes that “influence network” in four major tuna fishing regions.
ISSF in the News
The global fleet of tropical tuna purse seiners is growing, but fishing capacity is barely growing.
Europa Azul
ISSF urges IATTC to adopt effective harvest strategies, increase observer ratios, and improve management measures for tuna in the EPO
Industrias Pesqueras
