FAO Statement at the HLPF 2025 Session on SDG 14 and interlinkages with other SDGs – Life below water

Around 600 million people rely on aquatic food systems for livelihoods, and 4.3 billion people depend on aquatic foods for at least 20 percent of their animal protein. These foods offer essential nutrients that improve health outcomes, including birth outcomes, cognitive development in children, and reduced risk of cardiovascular and neurological diseases.

In the face of hunger, malnutrition, the intensity and frequency of climate shocks, and environmental degradation, aquatic foods are a transformative solution for a healthy, sustainable future. Oceans absorb about one-third of CO₂ and support nearly 3,500 species used in aquatic food systems. Sustainably managed resources enhance climate resilience and global food security.

Action is needed to meet SDG Target 14.4, as overfished stocks are increasing. In 2021, 62.3 percent of marine stocks were within biologically sustainable levels (a 2.3 percent decline since 2019), yet 77 percent of marine landings came from sustainable stocks when weighted by volume, which shows that effective management enables recovery.

While progress is underway on SDG Target 14.6, eliminating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing and harmful subsidies requires stronger enforcement, implementation of the FAO Port State Measures Agreement and The Voluntary Guidelines for Transshipment, the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, and investment in fisheries management systems.

Vital to food security and livelihoods- especially in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) - small-scale fishers often face unequal access to resources and poor working conditions. Accelerating national action plans based on FAO small-scale fisheries guidelines can empower small-scale operators and Indigenous Peoples.

FAO's Blue Transformation framework to address food security, poverty, and sustainability is recognized among countries and other stakeholders. In particular, scaling sustainable aquaculture, value chains, and public-private investment in technology and innovation is essential to deliver safe, nutritious food and a thriving ocean economy.