Overfishing

Overfishing

It occurs when fish and other marine species are caught faster than they can reproduce. It is the result of growing demand for seafood around the world, combined with poor management of fisheries and the development of new, more effective fishing techniques.

Causes

POOR FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

 Current government rules and regulations are not strong enough to limit fishing capacity to a sustainable level.

PIRATE FISHING

It is illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, it occurs when people operate in violation of the laws of fishery.

SUBSIDIES 

Many governments still continue to subsidize their fleets, allowing unprofitable operations to subsist, and overfishing to occur. 

 Consequences

• Ecosystems Destruction

The practice destroys the physical environments of marine life, and distorts the entire food chain in the oceans.  

• Economic Impact

There have been many closures to fisheries in many parts of the world. Sustainable fishing ensures that people’s livelihoods are protected and the fishing business is sustained.

• Biodiversity

Marine life is balanced with millions of fish species and other marine animals. Constantly fishing for particular species means soon that kind of fish will be extinct.

By David Marín and Luis Andrés