How Bad is Commercial Fishing for the Environment?
Overfishing means catching too many fish at once so that the population becomes too depleted to recover. Fish then become underpopulated in the overfished area and that throws off the balance of the surrounding ecosystem.
Is Responsible and Sustainable Fishing the Solution?
One consequence of large-scale fishing practices is the pollution caused by the industry. Have you ever wondered how fishing activities contribute to the degradation of the marine environment? The answer lies in the oil spills and plastic waste that result from these practices.
Even though bycatch is used to provide restaurants with fish, overfishing also impacts humans and the job market. Many people rely on fishing as their means of income. With the fish population decreasing, fishing jobs will become scarcer causing people to lose jobs and having to find other work.
How is the Fishing Industry Destroying the Planet?
Overfishing means catching too many fish at once so that the population becomes too depleted to recover. Fish then become underpopulated in the overfished area and that throws off the balance of the surrounding ecosystem.
The fishing industry affects marine conservation issues like fish populations, water pollution, and habitat degradation. Some researchers claimed the industry size needs decreasing to maintain healthy marine environments. This idea conflicts with individuals relying on fishing for income.
Our vital ocean ecosystems face an existential threat: the commercial fishing industry. Around the world, commercial fishing decimates fish populations, threatens marine species, and destroys crucial habitats.
On top of overfishing, there is a seafood shortage from masses of seafood waste and microplastics polluting public seafood. Many corals are being destroyed, putting ecological niches for many species at stake.
Most ocean trash soup comes from fishing activity. Methods vary: some catch unrelated species, abandon gear that keeps killing, or release more CO2 than the airline industry.
The industry overlooks sustainability and marine life, seeking profits. With vessels over 100 feet long catching hundreds of tons daily, it significantly declines sustainable fisheries.
Though fishing sustains millions, technology let commercial fishing go too far. Humanity strips oceans faster than life is replenished.
In addition, dredging for clams destroys habitat. Why abandon nets? Most ocean lacks protection or accountability for ethics and sustainability. Though a major employer, most global fisheries are overfished.
Government supports the industry, reducing costs to meet demand, employ vulnerable workers. This enables overfishing.