Quantitative assessment reveals widespread depletion of demersal fisheries in the Brazilian meridional margin, SW Atlantic

The Brazilian meridional margin has supported industrial and artisanal demersal fisheries for over six decades, yet a comprehensive, standardized assessment of stock status across species remains lacking. This study analyzed available data on historical catch, effort, and life history for 36 demersal fish stocks using three stock assessment models, according to data availability. Of these, 22 stocks had sufficient data to support quantitative assessments (Stock Synthesis and JABBA), providing biomass-based reference points, while for the remaining 14 stocks, only the productivity dimension was estimated (CMSY++). Among the 22 stocks with stock status estimates, the results reveal widespread and chronic depletion across assessed stocks, with 86% classified as overfished and biomass levels averaging 61% of that required to achieve maximum sustainable yield by 2019. Current landings are less than half of the estimated sustainable potential harvest, indicating significant productivity losses. These findings underscore the ecological and economic consequences of prolonged unmanaged exploitation and highlight the urgent need for strengthened monitoring, adaptive management, and regional cooperation to restore fishery productivity and resilience in the Southwestern Atlantic.