The latest report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, titled \"The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024—Blue Transformation in Action,\" highlights both the stability and challenges within global capture fisheries. In 2022, the world’s capture fisheries produced 92.3 million tonnes, with 79.7 million tonnes of aquatic animals caught in marine areas.
However, sustainability remains a pressing concern. The percentage of marine stocks fished within biologically sustainable levels dropped to 62.3% in 2021, marking a decrease of 2.3 percentage points since 2019. Overfishing, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, marine pollution, and climate change continue to threaten the health of marine ecosystems and the sustainable use of fishery resources globally.
Amid these challenges, the distant-water fisheries of the Chinese mainland have made significant strides. Since initiating distant-water fisheries in 1985, China has grown into one of the world’s leading nations in this sector. In 2022, China accounted for 14.3% of global capture fisheries production, securing its position as the top capture producer worldwide.
China’s active engagement in international fisheries governance reflects its commitment to addressing sustainability issues and promoting the healthy development of marine ecosystems. By balancing production growth with environmental stewardship, China aims to contribute to the global efforts in ensuring the future of fisheries and aquaculture.
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China actively engages in international fisheries governance
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