Overfishing in federal fisheries hits record low

In all, six fish stocks were rebuilt last year, bringing the total to 32. Ten fish stocks also moved off the overfishing list — though three joined it — and four stocks left the overfished category, while one was added.

Last year was the first time all federal fisheries operated under catch limits.

The limits are designed to restore fish populations, as unrestricted fishing drove some species to dangerously low numbers.

While conservationists and some commercial fish operations support the program, recreational fishermen say the system is too restrictive.

NOAA acknowledged there is room for improvement.

It said it had more work to do in evaluating the economic impact of management decisions and bolster data collection.

The agency also said it needs to “improve our understanding of environmental factors — including climate change — affecting fishery resources.”