During the period considered (2007-2022), the average exploitation rate of fish stocks (i.e., the mean ratio between current fishing mortality and the mortality associated with the Maximum Sustainable Yield; Fcurr/FMSY) exceeded the sustainability threshold. The indicator, estimated on internationally validated analytical stock assessments, highlights the overall trend in the exploitation rate of commercially fished stocks, providing insight into the quantitative trends in fishing pressure.

A peak in the average exploitation rate was observed in 2012 and 2013, with values exceeding 3, followed by a declining trend, reaching its lowest point in 2022 (average value of 1.12). The analysis is conducted at the National level and by Sub-Region, following the geographical scale defined by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD; 2008/56/EC).

Ocean warming is causing a geographical and depth shift in marine species more sensitive to temperature changes. In temperate zones, such as the Mediterranean, this phenomenon results in a northward expansion of warm-affinity species. Consequently, the composition of marine communities changes, affecting commercial fishery landings.

The mean temperature of the catch (MTC), which is the average inferred temperature preference of the exploited species weighted by their annual landings, is an index that has been used for evaluating the effect of sea warming on fisheries catches and marine ecosystems (Cheung et al., 2013).

Adriatic Sea (FAO Division 37.2.1): The mean temperature of the catch increased from 19.2°C (1987–1996 average) to 20.1°C (2012–2022 average), with a significant annual increase of 0.03°C.

Ionian Sea – Central Mediterranean (FAO Division 37.2.2): The mean temperature of the catch increased from 20.3°C (1987–1996 average) to 22.3°C (2012–2022 average), with a significant annual increase of 0.07°C.

Sardinian Sea – Western Mediterranean (FAO Division 37.1.3): The mean temperature of the catch increased from 20.5°C (1987–1996 average) to 22.5°C (2012–2022 average), with a significant annual increase of 0.07°C.

During the 2007-2022 period, the majority of the assessed fish stocks are in a state of overexploitation: the fishing-induced mortality is higher than that necessary for a sustainable exploitation of the resources in the long term under average environmental conditions.

In the 2020-2022 triennium, the lowest values in the historical series were recorded, with approximately 60% of stocks classified as overexploited, indicating a relative improvement.

This indicator, based on internationally validated analytical stock assessments, reflects the overall trend in the exploitation status of commercially fished stocks, highlighting the condition of harvested resources. The indicator is also associated with the percentage coverage of landed fish stocks for which stock assessments are available. The analysis is conducted at both the national and subregional levels, following the geographic division defined by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.