This indicator measures the sustainability of the world's marine capture fisheries by their abundance. A fish stock of which abundance is at or greater than the level, that can produce the maximum sustainable yield (0.8 of BMSY) is classified as biologically sustainable. In contrast, when abundance falls below 0.8 of BMSY level, the stock is considered biologically unsustainable. The level of uncertainty on estimating the biomass levels that produce MSY is why we use the threshold as 0.8 BMSY).
For each level of reporting (National, Regional, Global) the indicator is calculated as the ratio between the number of exploited fish stocks classified as "within biologically sustainable levels" and the total number of stocks with a known stock status.
Citation: FAO. 2025. FAO SDG Indicators Data Portal. Indicator 14.4.1 - Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels. [Accessed on 12 December 2025].
This indicator measures the sustainability of the world's marine capture fisheries by their abundance. A fish stock of which abundance is at or greater than the level, that can produce the maximum sustainable yield (0.8 of BMSY) is classified as biologically sustainable. In contrast, when abundance falls below 0.8 of BMSY level, the stock is considered biologically unsustainable. The level of uncertainty on estimating the biomass levels that produce MSY is why we use the threshold as 0.8 BMSY).
For each level of reporting (National, Regional, Global) the indicator is calculated as the ratio between the number of exploited fish stocks classified as "within biologically sustainable levels" and the total number of stocks with a known stock status.
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Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels (not overfished)