The number of fish stocks on the U.S. overfishing list decreased by three last year, falling to an all-time low of 21, NOAA said Thursday.
In its annual “Status of the Stocks” report to Congress, the agency also said that 50 fish stocks have now been fully rebuilt since 2000.
In what NOAA described as “a major milestone,” the iconic Snohomish coho salmon became the latest stock to join the rebuilt list last year. The agency said there are more than 20 different stocks of the coho salmon on the West Coast and in Alaska.
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“By ending overfishing and rebuilding stocks, we are strengthening the value of U.S. fisheries to the economy, our communities and marine ecosystems,” NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad said.
