What is overfishing

This means the population of this species will continue to decrease as it cannot keep up with these rates of fishing. Believe it or not, overfishing started to become a problem over 1, years ago! As people began to consume marine species of fish, the fish industry continued to grow. The higher demand for these fish led to the practice of overfishing. Today, fisheries are the main cause of overfishing. This is because many fisheries have no regulations. In other words, they will continue to overfish despite the threats it poses.

So why is overfishing bad? Though it may seem like an insignificant problem, overfishing threatens the vitality of many marine species and even humans. Perhaps most obviously, overfishing puts the populations of certain fish species at risk for extinction. This is because, as mentioned above, overfishing prevents fish from reproducing at a rate fast enough to maintain regular numbers. As these populations decrease, these species of fish also face other issues.

Specifically, lower populations may force species to adapt differently. For instance, overfished species will often change in size, start to mature at different points in their lifespan, and even begin to reproduce differently. Right now, some of the most overfished species include Atlantic bluefin tuna , Atlantic halibut, Monkfish, and Atlantic cod to name a few.

The decrease in these fish populations not only causes problems for the species itself, but also their entire food chain. Many fish species are one of the main food sources for larger predators or marine animals. Additionally, these species help to keep other marine animal populations in check by feeding on them. In other words, if the number of fish continues to decline, other animals will be affected. More specifically, populations of species that prey on these fish will likely also decline.

On the other hand, species that these fish typically feed on will likely grow out of control. As these secondary species start to see their populations decline, their predators and prey will then be affected. Simply put, this is a cycle that repeats until every species in the food chain is affected. Further, this problem will only be amplified if any of these fish species go extinct. Other marine life that you may not expect to be affected by overfishing includes kelp and corals.

As populations of certain fish species decline due to overfishing, other species that consume kelp can grow exponentially. Animals Wild Cities Wild parakeets have taken a liking to London. Animals Wild Cities Morocco has 3 million stray dogs. Meet the people trying to help. Animals Whales eat three times more than previously thought.

Environment Planet Possible India bets its energy future on solar—in ways both small and big. Environment As the EU targets emissions cuts, this country has a coal problem. Paid Content How Hong Kong protects its sea sanctuaries. History Magazine These 3,year-old giants watched over the cemeteries of Sardinia.

Magazine How one image captures 21 hours of a volcanic eruption. Science Why it's so hard to treat pain in infants. Science The controversial sale of 'Big John,' the world's largest Triceratops. Science Coronavirus Coverage How antivirals may change the course of the pandemic. Science Coronavirus Coverage U. Travel A road trip in Burgundy reveals far more than fine wine.

Travel My Hometown In L. Travel The last artists crafting a Thai royal treasure. Subscriber Exclusive Content. Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars? How viruses shape our world. Find out more about toothfish. The Marine Stewardship Council set standards for sustainable fishing and traceability within the seafood supply chain.

When you shop for seafood, look for the MSC blue fish tick label. This means seafood can be traced back to an MSC certified sustainable fishery. Find out more about practical solutions to tackle overfishing. Our approach means everyone can play a part in that future while enjoying seafood, not avoiding it.

For more than 20 years fisheries, scientists, consumers and industry have been part of a collective effort to make sure our oceans are fished sustainably. Sustainable fishing means leaving enough fish in the ocean, respecting habitats and ensuring people who depend on fishing can maintain their livelihoods. Overfishing explained. Jump to section Related Pages toggle items.

Oceans at risk The impact on communities Climate change and fishing Marine biodiversity. MSC Oceans at risk Overfishing. What is overfishing and why is it a problem? What are the effects of overfishing? When overfishing happens, populations of fish decline.