Australian scientists and fishers highlight local innovation and global momentum to protect ocean biodiversity in the wake of the UN Ocean Conference.

Leading marine scientists are sounding the alarm as global oceans edge closer to a critical tipping point due to the compounding pressures of climate change, overfishing, and habitat degradation. A recent Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) survey of 58 ocean experts worldwide, including renowned Australian marine ecologist Professor Gretta Pecl, reveals growing concern over the future of marine ecosystems.

“Climate change is a magnifier of everything, increasing pressure on biodiversity, fisheries, and ecosystems,” said Professor Pecl, of The Biodiversity Council of Australia and the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies at UTAS. “There are big differences across regions, but Australians must realise that a healthy ocean underpins our food security, economy, and way of life.”

The release of this survey in Australia follows the conclusion of the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France, and coincides with the latest fisheries assessment by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which signals real progress: sustainable fishing is working, particularly where strong fisheries management is in place.

The FAO’s landmark assessment, applying a new global methodology developed by 650 experts across 92 countries, analysed more than 2,600 marine fish stocks. It found:

64.5% of global fish stocks are now fished within sustainable limits
Regions with stronger management systems report significantly higher sustainability rates
The Southwest Pacific, including Australian waters, achieved 85% sustainability
In the Eastern Indian Ocean, 72.7% of stocks were estimated to be sustainable, though caution is advised due to limited data for some vulnerable species

“Overfishing has stabilised globally, and regions like Australia are proving that sustainable management and investment deliver real outcomes,” said Anne Gabriel, Program Director for MSC Oceania. “This is a critical moment to scale those successes.”

Global fund, local impact: €5.6 million boost for sustainable fishing innovation
At UNOC, MSC Chief Executive Rupert Howes announced an additional €5.6 million (approx. AUD $9.3 million) investment into the organisation’s Ocean Stewardship Fund (OSF), bringing the total commitment to more than €13.3 million since the fund’s inception in 2019. To date, the OSF has supported over 200 research and fishery improvement projects across 50 countries—including several breakthrough initiatives in Australia.

“These projects demonstrate that targeted investment can fast-track solutions that protect biodiversity, support fisheries, and sustain ocean health.” said Howes.

Homegrown innovation in Australian fisheries
In Australia’s Northern Prawn Fishery (NPF), the long-term use and ongoing refinement of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) has successfully reduced marine turtle bycatch by up to 99%. Supported by OSF funding, the fishery is now expanding research to reduce impacts on sawfish and other vulnerable species, working closely with Indigenous communities and scientists to develop next-generation bycatch mitigation strategies.

Meanwhile, in the nation’s sub-Antarctic waters, the Australian toothfish fishery is partnering with researchers to test gear modifications aimed at reducing skate bycatch. These efforts, also funded through the OSF, are contributing to a better understanding of deep-sea biodiversity while safeguarding fragile marine ecosystems.

“These examples show that with investment, innovation, and collaboration, it’s possible to harvest from the ocean without harming it,” said Howes. “Sustainable fisheries management is essential to ensure not only that the ocean can thrive but that its resources can remain available to future generations.”

As UNOC 2025 concludes, MSC and its partners are urging governments, including Australia, to act on the clear scientific consensus for stronger protection of marine biodiversity. With momentum building and practical solutions already proving effective in Australian waters, the next step is scaling these efforts globally.

About the MSC Science Survey

The online survey created by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) consisted of seven questions and was shared with marine scientists around the world, asking them about the threats and opportunities facing ocean health and biodiversity. It was completed throughout March 2025 by 58 people.

About Preserving ocean life: How sustainable fishing supports biodiversity

This report features inspiring and sometimes unexpected examples of how fishers across the world are altering and improving their practices so that they can fish sustainably whilst minimising impact on the biodiversity of the ocean.

Read the full report

2025 FAO Report: New global assessment of fish stocks

About the MSC
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit on a mission to end overfishing by setting the world’s leading standards for sustainable fishing and seafood supply chain assurance. Over 700 fisheries worldwide are certified to the MSC’s environmental standard for fishing. The MSC program incentivises the adoption of sustainable fishing practices and helps create a more sustainable seafood market.

For more information visit msc.org/en-au.

INDEPENDENT NEWS IS IMPORTANT.

Enjoy reading Eco Voice? Please help us by purchasing a GIFT Voucher or send one to a friend and encourage people to purchase trees or seeds via The Native Shop – www.nativeshop.com.au