The world' s fleet grows despite overcapacity

Total tonnage of the world's decked fishing vessels has climbed to an estimated 24 million gross tonnes - up from about 22 million in 1990 - despite increasing international concern about excess fishing capacity. Overcapacity means that fleets are not only larger than they need to be to catch the fish currently available, they are also larger than they would need to be if fish stocks were allowed to recover in size.

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Mexico: A purse seiner off the coast of Mexico
FAO/14733/F. Botts
More photos on fishing vessels:
  • India: Crowded fishing harbour at Madras
  • Morocco: A skipper uses sonar equipment to locate schools of fish
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