Overfishing,a global disaster

It is tempting to think that the ocean has an unlimited source of fish. After all, the oceans cover 3/4 of the earth's surface.

Lately, however, we have come to realize that some ocean animals are disappearing!

This has happened because of years of… over-fishing.

What is overfishing?

Over-fishing is when fishermen catch more fish than can be replaced by new fish eggs being hatched.

Fish populations can also be hurt by increased

ocean pollution.

Large number of fishing fleets Unsustainable fishing methods, for example

◦ Bycatch/discards◦ Bottom trawling

What is causing overfishing?

These methods have a large impact on the basic functioning of our marine ecosystems, because they cause tremendous damage on non target species.

1. It disrupts the marine ecosystem2. It will deplete the fish that we like to

eat3. Fisheries collapse and people lose

their jobs

Why is overfishing a problem?

1. It disrupts the marine ecosystem

◦ Scientists are warning that overfishing results in profound changes in our oceans, perhaps changing them forever.

2. It will deplete the fish that we like to eat!◦ The most fish caught by fishermen are the fish

that people like to eat -- cod, haddock, and blue finned tuna. All three of the most popular food fish and many others are rated as depleted by the U.S. Fisheries department. They have become the most endangered.

◦ In the future, our dinner plates may only feature fish and chips as a rare and expensive delicacy.

3. Fisheries collapse and people lose their jobs

◦ The over-exploitation and mismanagement of fisheries lead to fisheries collapses.

◦ The cod fishery off Newfoundland, Canada collapsed in 1992. Suddenly, all the cods disappeared!

◦ This led to the loss of some 40,000 jobs in the industry.

The FAO scientists publish a two yearly report (SOFIA) on the state of the world's fisheries and aquaculture.

This year it reports that:

52% of fish stocks are fully exploited 20% are moderately exploited 17% are overexploited 7% are depleted Only 1% is recovering from depletion

How bad is the problem?

We are losing species as well as entire ecosystems. As a result, the overall ecological unity of our oceans are under stress and at risk of collapse.

We are in risk of losing a valuable food source many depend upon for social, economical or dietary reasons.

In the real world all this comes down to two serious problems.

Scientists agree that at current exploitation rates many important fish stocks will be removed from the system within 25 years!

“The big fish, the bill fish, the groupers, the big things will be

gone. It is happening now. If things go unchecked, we'll have a sea full of little horrible things that nobody wants to eat. We might end up with a marine

junkyard dominated by plankton.”

Dr. Daniel Pauly describes it as follows:

What can I do to help?

It's fair to say that individuals cannot solve this global problem all by ourselves, we need politicians to strengthen international law. But what we can do is make a difference by taking small steps you can.

Following are some of the actions you can undertake.

Be informedRead up a bit on the issues of overfishing, have a look at some articles, see if you can find some information regarding your local situation. Keep in mind that while this is a global problem every local situation is different.

Know what you eatIf you eat fish make sure you know what you eat, and pick the ones with the lowest impact. Try not to eat fish that are endangered. There are guides available on the internet

Spread the word

I know, it's all rather obvious, but this is simply how it works. Let your voice be heard!

◦ Mention to your friends why you refrain from eating certain fish, tell them about the problems we're facing. Do you have a weblog or website? Write about the state of our oceans and how overfishing is affecting the life of all of us.