Fatal Overfishing HOW

OVERFISHING IS NEGATIVELY IMPACTING OCEAN LIFE AND, WHAT

YOU CAN DO TO HELP.

Written by the “WORLD WILDLIFE FUND”

Haley Abbott
TABLE OF
CONTENTS

ABSTRACT....................................................................................................1

THE OVERFISHING EPIDEMIC.................................................................1

What exactly is overfishing?...............................................................................................1

How is overfishing affecting marine life?...........................................................................1
How fishing companies are profiting..................................................................................2

WHAT CAN YOU DO?.................................................................................2

OUR SOLUTION IN ACTION......................................................................4

CONCLUSION...............................................................................................4

REFERENCES................................................................................................5

TABLE OF FIGURES
FIGURE ONE
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………2

FIGURE
TWO…………………………………………………………………………
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ABSTRACT
As global demand for seafood grows, the world's oceans face a growing
danger from overfishing, an intricate problem that compromises marine
ecosystems and millions of people who depend on them. This white
paper addresses the multifaceted issues associated with overfishing and
offers fresh approaches that can improve sustainable management of
fisheries.This white paper proposes strategies that support ethical and
sustainable fishing methods. These include management of fishing
operations, the development of marine conservation areas, and the use
of modern technologies to minimize bycatch and habitat damage.

THE OVERFISHING EPIDEMIC

WHAT EXACTLY IS OVERFISHING?
Overfishing is the unsustainable practice of harvesting fish from
oceans, and other bodies of water, at a rate that exceeds the
populations’ natural reproduction and growth capacities. Overfishing
can have devastating effects on marine ecosystems as it disrupts the
balance of aquatic life and threatens the biodiversity of the world's
oceans.

HOW IS OVERFISHING AFFECTING MARINE LIFE?

Overfishing poses a threat to ocean life by destabilizing marine
ecosystems as well as depleting fish populations.

When certain species of fish are overly harvested it can cause the
population to decline to a point where the species is struggling to
reproduce. This disrupts the balance of the ecosystem, as various
 species depend on each other for survival. For example, the overfishing
of predatory species can lead to an explosion in the population of their
prey, causing a snowball effect that carries through the food web,
impacting other marine organisms.

That being said, the harmful consequences of overfishing extend

beyond ecological impacts. As fish populations begin to decline,
fisheries are faced with reduced yields, leading to economic losses for
the communities that depend on fishing for their livelihoods.

Small-scale fisheries are

typically falling victim to
the consequences, as their
incomes are directly tied to
the health of local fish
stocks. Overfishing also
jeopardizes the millions of
humans that are relying on
seafood as their primary
source of nutrients.
Figure 1: Multiple fishermen shown pulling hundreds of fish out of the ocean (Source: World Wildlife Fund, 2019).

HOW FISHING COMPANIES ARE PROFITING

Fishing companies can profit from overfishing through short-term gains
which, ultimately come at the expense of long-term sustainability.
While overfishing may result in increased catch volumes for larger
fisheries, it is a fundamentally unsustainable practice.

In some cases, fishing companies may prioritize immediate financial

gains over the health of marine ecosystems, neglecting the importance
of responsible and sustainable fishing practices that are essential for
both environmental health, and the industry's long-term prosperity.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

THE IMPORTANCE OF INTERNATIONAL
COLLABORATION

Considering our oceans are forever connected, international

cooperation is critical in addressing the overfishing problem. Fish
stocks frequently cross national lines, making it difficult for any single
government agency to effectively oversee and maintain marine
resources in isolation. Collaboration allows for the exchange of
scientific knowledge, data, and best practices, allowing for the
development of internationally informed fisheries management
programs. Additionally, global collaboration promotes the
establishment and enforcement of uniform conservation regulations,
ensuring that responsible fishing methods are followed across borders.

Nations can address the core causes of the crisis, adopt appropriate
legislation, and strive toward the sustainable management of shared
marine resources by
establishing a united
front against
overfishing, ultimately
promoting the overall
wellness and
sustainability of our
oceans on an
international level.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SHOPPING LOCALLY

According to WebstaurantStore, “without instilling sustainable

practices, fisheries are expected to collapse as early as 2050
(Sustainable seafood for restaurants).” Consumers can aid in this by
making informed choices, opting for sustainably sourced seafood and
supporting eco-certifications. Shopping for seafood locally supports
sustainable fishing Figure 2: A fisherman shown pulling hundreds of fish out of the ocean (Source: World Wildlife Fund).

methods by
encouraging the consumption of locally sourced, seasonal seafood that
are more likely to be harvested ethically. This reduces the negative
environmental effects of transportation while also connecting
consumers directly to the practices of local fishers. Consumers
contribute to the preservation of marine habitats and the reduction of
overfishing on a community level by consuming locally caught
seafood.

HOW YOU CAN HELP NOW

An “everyday” person can contribute significantly to addressing the
overfishing problem through informed choices and conscientious
actions.

Firstly, individuals can make sustainable seafood choices by opting for

products certified by organizations or choosing fish species that are
known to be more abundant.

Individuals can also help the fishing industry flourish by choosing

seafood on restaurant menus. The Gulf of Marine Research Institute
says, “Before the onset of the pandemic, around 70% of seafood was
eaten in restaurants nationally, and the loss of restaurant orders had a
significant impact on the seafood industry (Foley).” By ordering fish at
local restaurants, smaller fishermen will become more supported
instead of larger, unethical, fishing corporations.

Lastly, consumers can help with the overfishing crisis by buying their
seafood from local, ethical, fisheries instead of buying from large,
unethical, corporations. In fresh seafood cases, look for “local!”[

OUR SOLUTION IN ACTION

Supporting local fisheries that follow responsible fishing practices and
advocating for stronger fisheries management policies will make a huge
difference.

The collective efforts of individuals when combined will contribute to a

more sustainable approach to seafood consumption. It will also play a
crucial role in promoting the health and balance of our oceans.

CONCLUSION
To wrap things up, overfishing is a real problem that needs a solution
quickly. By spreading awareness about overfishing and its
consequences, we can widen the impact, and encourage others to adopt
sustainable practices.
REFERENCES
“Facts & Figures: The Cold Hard Facts about Overfishing.” Fish Forward (WWF), 12
July 2019, www.fishforward.eu/en/topics/facts-figures/.

Foley, Kyle. “Five Steps to Support Local Seafood.” Gulf Of Maine Research Institute,
11 June 2020,
www.gmri.org/stories/five-steps-support-local-seafood/#:~:text=Choosing%20to
%20eat%20more%20seafood,keeps%20our%20coastal%20communities
%20thriving.

McKeever, Amy, and National Geographic Staff. “How Overfishing Threatens the
World’s Oceans-and Why It Could End in Catastrophe.” Environment, National
Geographic, 7 Feb. 2022,
www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/critical-issues-overfishing.

“Sustainable Seafood for Restaurants.” WebstaurantStore,

www.webstaurantstore.com/article/653/sustainable-seafood.html.

“What Is Overfishing? Facts, Effects and Overfishing Solutions.” WWF, World Wildlife
Fund, www.worldwildlife.org/threats/overfishing.