Ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) calls for adequate indicators to measure and support its performance of achieving optimal integrated social, environmental, and economic outcomes. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 14, Target 14.7 and Indicator 14.7.1, are expected to contribute to EBFM with their multidimensional measurability, international comparability, and emphasis on inclusiveness. However, this article finds that there are two substantial challenges of using SDG Indicator 14.7.1 for EBFM. The first is the ambiguity of what this indicator exactly measures due to its dual-dimensionality and missing details of definitions and measurements. The second challenge is the data gap as a result of disparity in statistical capacity across countries. Further reasons for these two challenges include insufficient statistical considerations in the development of the SDGs due to strong political influences, the under-representation of small island developing states and least developed countries, and also the difficulty in encompassing different aspects of EBFM in one indicator. A number of practical implications to improve the use of SDG Indicator 14.7.1 for EBFM are generated. In particular, it is recommended to further clarify the exact definitions and measurements of SDG Indicator 14.7.1 and enhance the national statistical capacity to produce data for this indicator and use it for EBFM.