Our biodiversity has declined by more than a quarter in the last 35 years.Every single second, we are losing so many species and swathes of land.

In this article, I would like to address an important topic, Overfishing. 

Overfishing basically includes catching too much fish for the system to support leading to an imbalance of the ecosystem. Overfishing, infact is a non-sustainable use of the oceans.

Fishing industries have huge vessels with the latest technology that they deploy deep into the oceans. They can stay on the oceans for weeks and months before they come back ashore. It is believed that all the world?s equipment combined is enough to fish on 4 earth-like planets.

Moreover fishing methods like bottom trawling catch a massive number of fish at a single catch without any filtering. These methods have a large impact on the basic functioning of our marine ecosystems. These unselective fishing practices and gear cause tremendous destruction on non target species. 

A recent WWF report estimates that bycatch ( fishes caught unintentionally while tryoing to catch other fishes)  represents 40% of global marine catches.

It is easy to grasp what drastic consequences such devastation has on the ability of a species to reproduce and regenerate population.

Bycatch also represents a monstrous waste of food, for both humans and marine predators.

Experts emphasize that while industrial fishing boats throw millions of tons of undesired fish back in the sea each year

Over 25% of all the world's fish stocks are either overexploited or depleted. Another 52% is fully exploited, these are in imminent danger of overexploitation (maximum sustainable production level) and collapse. 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. 

Here are few steps that can be taken to control overfishing

Safe catch limits: A reassessed, scientifically determined, limit on the total number of fish caught mush be imposed.

Controls on bycatch:  Laws illegalizing bycatch must be established and use of techniques like bottom trawling must be prohibited.

Protection of pristine and important habitats:  The key parts in ecosystems need full protection from destructive fisheries e.g. corals.

Monitoring and Enforcement: A monitoring system to make sure fishermen do not fish more than they are allowed to must be established with hefty fines if found violating

Here are few things we can do as indiviuals,

Be informed: Read up a bit on the issues of overfishing, 

Know what you eat: If you eat fish make sure you know what you eat, and pick the ones with the lowest impact. 

Spread the word: Though rather obvious, but this is how the message can spread. Let your voice be heard! Use social media to express your opinions.

Stats and information Source:

http://overfishing.org/

Image source:

C. Ortiz Rojas - http://www.photolib.noaa.gov/htmls/fish2172.htm