Oceans at risk

Oceans are essential to life on Earth. They cover more than 70% of the planet's surface, regulate the climate, and supply the oxygen we need to survive.

37.7%

of stocks fished at biologically unsustainable levels *

49%

decline in marine populations **

62 million

employed in primary production in fisheries and aquaculture *

Sources: * UN FAO, ** WWF

They are also home to an extraordinary variety of life. Much of this life is essential to sustain people’s livelihoods and ensure food security as millions rely on fish as their primary source of protein.

Seafood is our last major food source that is truly wild

The risks to ocean health

The stakes are high when we consider how intrinsically linked the health of our oceans is to our environmental, social and economic wellbeing.

According to the United Nations FAO's 2024 State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) report 37.7% of stocks monitored in 2021 were fished to biologically unsustainable levels.

The size of marine populations has declined by almost half (49%) between 1970 and 2012 according to WWF’s Living Blue Planet Report 2015

Key factors contributing to the problem are overfishing, illegal and destructive fishing. It’s not just the loss of species and ecosystems, the problem has a serious impact on communities.

What is overfishing?

Overfishing occurs when too many fish in a particular stock are caught and there are not enough adults to breed and sustain a healthy population. How do we combat overfishing?

Learn More

What is the MSC doing?

We work with fisheries, scientists and industry to make sure our oceans are fished sustainably and it’s easy to find and buy certified sustainable seafood.

We are recognised by the United Nations (UN) and support the work of the UN's Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 Life Below Water.

By choosing seafood products with the blue fish tick label you are directly supporting fishers that take care of our oceans and encouraging others to do the same.

Find out more