Jaclyn LaTorre

Professor Ferrara

ENW 100

2 December 2019

Multi-Modal Argument Paper

Plastic is often what comes to mind when people think about the main source of what

is causing the destruction or “death” of the ocean. However, whether one lives near the ocean or

not, citizens around the globe are affected by the death or the ocean, however the main cause of

it is not widely discussed or prevalent in today’s current society. Overfishing and methods of

fishing are destroying the oceanic biome. Therefore, with the installation of fishing regulations

with protected and guarded areas while lowering the each nation’s fishing limit, these

environments can flourish while preventing a lifeless ocean.

There is a common misconception that fish are not as large as they once were, however

the reality is that due to overfishing, marine life populations are decreasing and they lack time to

mature and reproduce.“According to the United Nations, 17% of fish stocks worldwide are

currently overexploited; 52% are fully exploited; and 7% are depleted. This means that only an

estimated 20% of worldwide fish stocks are not already at or above their capacity,” (Seafarms
Group Limited). This statistic illustrates the severity of the fish population. Over half of the

population is exploited and as the demand for fish continues, the percentage for exploitation will

increase. The consumers’ need for supply is dire, as three billion people rely on “...seafood as

their primary source of protein,” (“Sustainable Seafood”). In order to provide this supply to meet

the needs for the demands of the consumers, many nations are overfishing and surpassing their

set annual catch limits. For instance, fishermen in Hawaii attempted to negotiate and ignore set

fishing quotas despite environmental concerns. Instead of being patrolled and regulated, the law

was bent with the payment of $250,000 into a fishery development fund and [they were allowed

to fish] for another 1,000 tons,” (Saving Seafood). United States officials negotiated, and took a

bribe over protecting the life that is now decaying and being suppressed in their own

environment. However it is not just Hawaii, “Commercial fishing [in general] from the world’s

lakes and rivers has quadrupled in the last 50 years to now total 8.7 million tons annually – and

growing,” (Seafarms Group Limited). As the world’s fisheries continue to take more and more,

fish no longer have opportunities to grow as large or reproduce. Consequently, with the lack of

reproduction, the marine life cannot replenish itself prior to being fished out of their homes. Not

only does this cause a decline in fish population but it also disrupts the food chain.

“Approximately 90% of fish stocks of large predatory fish are already gone, as overfishing has
disproportionately targeted the largest fish at the top of the food chain,” (Seafarms Group

Limited). Without large predatory fish, the food chain is not stabilized, therefore too many prey

will eat primary producers such as algae. This is a severe issue because the decline of algae leads

to a decline in oxygen, as algae produces more than seventy percent of the atmosphere’s oxygen,

(“Save the Plankton, Breathe Freely.”). The ocean also is a source of income to many citizens,

and they also reduce the impacts of climate change as the oceans absorb a vast amount of carbon

dioxide. In short, the world’s survival and wellbeing relies on the health of the ocean, (“Why We

Protect Our Oceans”).

Common methods of fishing that Fishermen rely on to catch shrimp or tuna are

destroying the ocean floor and oceanic biome through trawling as well. “When [the ocean floor

is] disturbed by bottom trawling, as much as 90 percent of a coral colony perishes, and up to

two-thirds of sponges are damaged. Additionally, in recent coldwater coral studies, a review of

damaged areas seven years later revealed no new growth” (Prokop). This is an immense effect of

trawling because coral reefs produce eighty percent of the Earth’s oxygen, (Loria). These oceanic

bulldozers not only rip up the ocean floor but result in an excessive amount as bycatch as well.

These animals include, turtles, which are endangered and threatened; dolphins, and other animals

including sea birds that are left to die on board or thrown back to die in the ocean. Despite new
advances within the technological realm of fishing, the gear still cannot differentiate what it is

catching. As a result, whales, dolphins, turtles, juvenile fish, seabirds and other animals are left

to die, or left to die tangled in the nets that cause them to suffer. In fact, “It is estimated that over

300,000 small whales, dolphins, and porpoises die from entanglement in fishing nets each year,

making this the single largest cause of mortality for small cetaceans,” (“Bycatch”). In a recent

student survey conducted at Fairfield University, only fifty-five percent of people between the

ages of seventeen to fifty four, knew the correct definition of bycatch. Bycatch and fishing

techniques is one of the leading causes, over plastic, that is destroying our oceans, yet, only half

the population is aware of this inhumane way our marine life is left to suffer and die.

Illegal fishing, unreported and unregulated fishing is a huge cause of overfishing as

well, further causing the death of the ocean. For instance, some restaurants are still serving the

endangered bluefin tuna, and each fish sells for a high price. This fish has been continually

overfished to the extent where “it [is] nearly impossible for the spawning stock to rebuild the

population” (Barclay). Restaurants such as Nobu in New York, continue to serve this threatened

species. In fact, in the recently conducted student surveys, eighteen percent of those polls, who

may have attended Nobu’s sushi bar, have seen this on a menu. This fishing is not only illegal but

is unreported. However, this fish is not only found in luxurious sushi restaurants in the United
States, it is largely common in Asia and Europe as well. Infact after an investigation the results

concluded that , “...the volume of illicit bluefin tuna sold in Europe is still likely double that of

the legal tuna trade,”(How to End...). The overfishing is not allowing the population to

regenerate, and forces are not doing enough to prevent this from occurring. The demand in sushi

markets is so great that in order to meet the consumer supply, the last few decades has caused the

species to be threatened severely by extinction. The consumer needs to be aware of the markets

or eateries they attend in order to boycott the catching, purchasing, and consumption of this

dying species. This species is one of many, and as overshifting continues, especially those that

are illegal, unreported and unregulated as “Every time wild-caught fish is bought at a restaurant,

store, or waterfront dock, there is a 1 in 5 chance that it was caught outside of the law,” (Illegal

Bluefin Tuna...). The population of all marine life will continue to decrease unless it is regulated

and boycotted, or the ocean will soon lack means of life as the world knows it today.

However, despite overfishing, the destructive methods of fishing, and illegal fishing

there is a solution to this issue. In order to allow fish to grow full size and reproduce, areas

known as no-take zones can be established, and have even proven to be effective. For example,

“Potato cod in a no-take zone of Australia's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park can weigh up to 30

kilograms” (National Geographic Society), which is now rare due to how overfished they are.
They also allow areas to flourish and increase in biodiversity. This is because “As no-take zones

produce more fish, biodiversity should also increase, growing healthier ecosystems,” (Brodbeck).

Biodiversity is a crucial element in ensuring that the food web and environment are stabilized

and balanced. Another way to prevent overfishing and help return the oceanic biome to a healthy

state is by decreasing the annual limits. If they are decreased on a large scale then if fishermen do

overfish, it will not be as detrimental to the biome. However, in order to prevent overfishing in

general, coast guards or other officials to check in with each fishing boat to ensure what country

they are from and are not fishing in protected or foreign waters. Moreover, the lack of awareness

surrounding the ocean is another large issue that needs to be addressed. According to the student

survey conducted at fairfield, over fifty four percent of the population surveyed believe that

plastic was the leading cause of the ocean’s current decaying condition while a little over twenty

seven percent never thought about it prior to the survey. In fact, fashionable reusable water

bottles such as “swells” and “hydro flasks” have become very popular. However, these bottles

and trends are just protecting a minute issue in comparison to the real hazard that is killing these

marine animals. The ignorance of the public on the ocean is a large issue as well and can affect

change of the ocean. If the public has more knowledge on this topic they can become smarter

consumers and have an effect on the fishing industry. For example, if person A typically eats at
restaurants such as Nobu that serves endangered fish populations, perhaps they can eat at another

restaurant until they take it off the menu. Similarly, if one eats fish often, and it is not their

primary protein source, perhaps they can eat it less often. This is because consumers control the

market. As long as these fisheries and establishments continue to have a demand by the

consumer, they will need to find the supply to meet their needs. The first step to making a change

in the ocean’s health is educating the public, as change is in their hands.

In conclusion, overfishing, unreported fishing, fishing methods and lack of awareness

on the ocean is not only leading to a lifeless ocean but is destroying the oceanic biome which

serves humans and animals on the entire globe. The ocean, a source of food, activity, and income

for citizens all around the world, is a crucial aspect in creating oxygen as well and in order to

preserve it and function day to day, measures to protect the ocean must be made. Therefore, in

order to preserve the life and beauty of the ocean, new methods of fishing need to be created,

fishing must be regulated, and no take zones must be set up in order to allow the reproduction

and growth of marine populations. Most importantly, consumers need to be educated on how

major their role is in protecting the ocean, rather than just purchasing trendy reusable bottles.
Works Cited:

Barclay, Eliza. “Why Some Chefs Just Can't Quit Serving Bluefin Tuna.” NPR, NPR, 7 Jan.
2015.

Brodbeck, Laura. “Having Your Fish and Eating Them Too.” Having Your Fish and Eating Them
Too, 14 May 2018.

Loria, Kevin. “What Happens If All the Coral Reefs Die?” World Economic Forum.

Prokop, Rachael. “Bottom Trawling.” Oceana USA, 26 Jan. 2017, usa.oceana.org/bottom-

trawling.

Sedacca, Matthew. “China Fished Itself out of Its Own Waters, so Its Fishermen Are Now
Haunting Other Nations' Seas.” Quartz, Quartz, 18 May 2017.

“Bycatch.” WWF, World Wildlife Fund, www.worldwildlife.org/threats/bycatch.

“Hawaii Tuna Fishermen Want Higher Quotas.” Saving Seafood, 4 Dec. 2018.

“How to End Illegal Fishing.” The Pew Charitable Trusts.

“Sustainable Seafood.” WWF, World Wildlife Fund.

National Geographic Society. “No-Take Zone.” National Geographic Society, 9 Oct. 2012,
www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/no-take-zone/.

“OVERFISHING STATISTICS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW.” Seafarms Group Limited, 13

Feb. 2015.

“Save the Plankton, Breathe Freely.” University of Rhode Island.

“Why We Protect Our Oceans.” Marine Conservation Institute.

Wwf. “Illegal Bluefin Tuna Fishing Continues Unabated in the Mediterranean.” Medium, WWF
International, 7 Jan. 2019.