The Big Picture
The sea was once thought to be a food source that we could never diminish, something that was endless. But that is sadly not the case. Overfishing has wrecked havoc on our oceans by causing massive population decreases in large predatory fish. Many ecosystems are becoming increasingly imbalanced as result of this overfishing, and if this problem is not remedied, the delicate ecosystem of the ocean and the land, would completely change. We need to start protecting our oceans and the creatures that live there before it is too late.
"All life on Earth is interconnected, and altered circumstances will change the order of life at Sea, which will also change life on land. And all of this can and will have an enormous impact on our lives." -- Mark Kurlansky
In 1950 more than 90 percent of fish caught by commercial fishermen were caught in the Northern Hemisphere. Because of overfishing, northern waters have become so depleted that commercial fisheries have been forced south. Now, areas like Peru and parts of Africa have some of the most lucrative fishing grounds in the world because they are paid to allow other countries deplete their waters.
At the moment fin fish (fish with vertebrates/backbones) are in the most danger of disappearing due to overfishing. "Big game fish", which are tuna and swordfish, are especially in danger because they bring in the most profit. Without these fish, mammals and sea birds would be quick to follow because of their dependance on this food source. If overfishing is not stopped, the ocean could return to conditions similar to 550 million years ago, a time with no fish species or mammals.
The Problems of Commerical Fishing
By-catch
By-catch is unwanted fish or other sea animals caught along with the targeted fish. This killing is completely useless. Many animals caught in by-catch are tossed overboard dead or critically injured. Whales, turtles, seals, birds, and sharks can all be caught in fishermen's nets, depleting the population.
It is estimated that 40 % of all marine life caught in one year is by-catch.
It is estimated that 40 % of all marine life caught in one year is by-catch.
Waste
Many governments regulate the amount of fish caught in one trip, the amount of fish caught per boat, and the amount caught of a certain species. Although these fish quotas are there to protect fish populations they are not as effective as one may think. These regulations do nothing to prevent fishermen from catching over their quota, just from selling the extra fish they catch. The extra fish that a vessel catches is usually thrown overboard.
Because of fish quotas, millions of pounds of dead fish are thrown overboard each year.
Fishermen do not want this to happen, but to make their practices legal they have to throw fish overboard. New solutions need to be created in order to limit the amount of fish thrown overboard and end this system of waste.
Because of fish quotas, millions of pounds of dead fish are thrown overboard each year.
Fishermen do not want this to happen, but to make their practices legal they have to throw fish overboard. New solutions need to be created in order to limit the amount of fish thrown overboard and end this system of waste.
Overfishing
The most powerful predators in the ocean are commercial fishing vessles. Equipped with nets larger than football fields and powerful sonar, fish have no chance of escape. Because of the ease of which we fish, it is easy for fishing boats to take too much of a population or from a certain area.
Overfishing not only depletes populations, but also destroys the delicate balance of the ecosystem. If one species is hunted down too much, species that depend on it will also be deplenished. Likewise, species hunted by targeted species will thrive.
Overfishing not only depletes populations, but also destroys the delicate balance of the ecosystem. If one species is hunted down too much, species that depend on it will also be deplenished. Likewise, species hunted by targeted species will thrive.
Illegal Fishing
Turtles are still fished despite being endangered
Overfishing and illegal poaching are still going on world wide. Protected animals are being hunted down and they need your help. Talk to your local and state representatives or get involved in an NGO to learn how you can help. The only way to make a change is to get your voice heard!