Abstract

Global fisheries’ ongoing output decreases might have detrimental ecological and social effects. As a result, a number of worldwide initiatives have worked to enhance management and prevent overexploitation while supporting the preservation of biodiversity and a sustainable food supply. Although these programmes have gained widespread support, it is still unclear how well remedial actions have been implemented and are working. We evaluated the current effectiveness of fisheries management regimes around the world using a survey approach, validated with empirical data, and inquiries to over 13,000 fisheries experts (of which 1,188 responded). For each of those regimes, we also calculated the probable sustainability of reported catches to determine how management affects fisheries sustainability. Our survey reveals that only 7% of coastal states subject management policies to rigorous scientific evaluation; 1.4% also has participatory and transparent processes for translating scientific recommendations into policy; and 0.95% also have strong mechanisms for ensuring that regulations are followed. None of these states are also free from the effects of overfishing, subsidies, or access to foreign fishing. The conversion of scientific advice into policy through a participatory and transparent process is at the core of achieving fisheries sustainability, regardless of other attributes of the fisheries, according to a comparison of fisheries management attributes with the sustainability of reported fisheries catches. Our findings highlight the extreme fragility of the world’s fisheries and the pressing need to adhere to established standards for sustainable management. They also serve as a benchmark for measuring future developments.