Overview

• Only 41% of 105 assessed UK commercial fish stocks are classed as healthy, according to Oceana UK’s new analysis.
• North Sea cod remains overexploited despite scientists recently recommending a zero catch to protect the critically low stock.
• The report highlights stark regional gaps, with rising overfishing in the Irish Sea and Celtic Sea compared with comparatively healthier stocks west of Scotland.
• Stocks where catch limits matched scientific advice since 2020, including West of Scotland haddock and North Sea plaice, have stayed healthy or recovered.
• Defra says it is committed to restoring stocks and points to a new £360 million fisheries and coastal growth fund, while Oceana urges legal deadlines, annual stock audits and a ban on bottom trawling in protected areas.