Coral reef fisheries provide essential food and income for millions of people across the tropics. New research shows that most reefs are currently fished below the level that allows maximum sustainable production. 

While this represents a loss of potential food and livelihoods, it also highlights a significant opportunity: rebuilding reef fish stocks can deliver wide-ranging ecological and social benefits.

Drawing on data from more than 1,200 reef sites across 23 jurisdictions, the study finds that allowing depleted fish populations to recover could increase sustainable yields by nearly 50 percent. This alone would have major implications for food security, particularly in regions where communities rely heavily on reef fish as a primary source of protein and micronutrients.

Healthier fish stocks, healthier reefs

The benefits of rebuilding fish populations extend well beyond increased catches. Reef fish play critical roles in maintaining ecosystem balance. Herbivorous species help control algae that would otherwise overgrow corals, while predators regulate food webs and contribute to overall reef stability. When fish biomass is depleted, reefs become more vulnerable to disease, coral loss and reduced recovery after disturbances such as bleaching events.

By restoring fish populations to healthier levels, reefs are better able to function as resilient ecosystems. This, in turn, supports biodiversity, improves habitat complexity and enhances the capacity of coral reefs to withstand and recover from climate-related stress.

Food security and livelihoods

From a human perspective, the potential gains are substantial. In some regions, rebuilding fish stocks could provide tens of millions of additional sustainable fish servings per year, meeting recommended seafood intake for large numbers of people. Notably, the greatest opportunities for improvement are often found in countries facing the highest levels of malnutrition.

Healthier reefs also underpin more reliable livelihoods. Stable fish populations can reduce boom-and-bust cycles in fishing, support small-scale fisheries over the long term and contribute to local economies through tourism and related activities.

Allowing coral reef fish stocks to recover could feed millions.

How recovery can be achieved

The research makes clear that recovery requires active fisheries management. On average, fish biomass would need to roughly double to reach levels that maximise sustainable production. Depending on management measures, recovery could take anywhere from a few years under strict protection to several decades under continued but reduced fishing pressure.

The findings offer a hopeful message: rebuilding reef fish stocks is not only possible, but one of the most effective ways to support both ecosystem health and human well-being in a changing ocean.