Overview

• Oceana UK’s new assessment of 105 commercial stocks finds 41% healthy, 27% overfished and 25% overexploited, with one in six both overfished and overexploited.
• ICES recently recommended a zero catch for North Sea cod, and Oceana identifies Celtic Sea cod plus Irish Sea herring and whiting as critically low yet still being fished.
• The report highlights strong regional contrasts, with high overfishing in the Celtic and Irish seas compared with relatively healthier stocks off western Scotland.
• Oceana urges ministers to adopt a time‑bound strategy that aligns quotas with scientific advice, sets legally enforceable rebuild deadlines and mandates annual stock audits.
• The government says it remains committed to restoring stocks and has announced a £360 million fisheries and coastal growth fund, while fishers warn the industry faces collapse without swift action.