Overfishing Fisheries

Fishing Catching marine organisms.

Reasons for Fishing Sustenance:  Many coastal communities (particularly in developing countries) fish as a primary food source. Profit:  Commercial exploitation as a means of earning a living. Recreation:  Fishing for fun

Effects of Fishing Sociology:  In some places, people need to fish to survive.  In others, they simply want to fish for recreation. Economics:  Individuals and regions can be dependent on fishing as a source of income Ecology:  Natural systems are easily disrupted.

Overfishing Removal of organisms from the marine environment by humans, at a rate which cannot be sustained by the local ecosystem and therefore significantly alters natural ecosystems. Fishing a population faster than it can replace itself. The depletion of a stock of fish from fishing too much.

Overfishing The world marine catch is nearly 100 million tonnes per year. 27 million tonnes (almost ⅓ ) is by-catch and is thrown back into the ocean, dead.

Consequences of Overfishing Much more complicated than the reduction of one species. By-catch. Disruption to ocean floor structure. Loss of biodiversity (because of trophic interactions). Change in ecosystem structure.

Future How can we fish only to an extent which does not significantly alter it and the natural system in which it occurs? Problems:  Estimating populations, estimating catch  Predicting populations changes based on catch, statistics, history

Future Some solutions:  Marine Protected Areas  But currently only 1% of marine systems  Legislature  Control allowable catch (need international compliance)  Control fishing methods  Responsible Recreational Fishing

Future Conservation of marine fisheries impacts peoples livelihoods, survival, and recreation. It influences the marine and terrestrial environments. It is everyone’s responsibility. Ending Overfishing