A Look at How Overfishing Pollutes Our Oceans
Although most people think about things like plastic and sunscreens as causing serious damage to our oceans, they’re far from the only ways that ocean ecosystems become polluted. Another major source of pollution in our oceans comes from overfishing.
This guide explores what overfishing is and how it affects marine ecosystems. Plus, it covers ways that you can help prevent overfishing and protect the ocean and coastal ecosystems.
What Is Overfishing?
Overfishing refers to taking too many fish out of the ocean. Despite this, fishing isn’t actually inherently bad. When done in moderation and without harmful equipment, there’s nothing wrong with catching fish.
Unfortunately, it often isn’t conducted in this manner. Instead, overfishing occurs, which leads to a serious decline in the fish population. This makes it hard for fish to reproduce in order for them to replenish their stock before humans begin removing fish from the ocean again.
Overfishing, despite being a problem that has serious implications for the health of our oceans, is on the rise. In fact, roughly one-third of fisheries are pushed past the limit that they should adhere to in order to allow fish stock to replenish.
In addition to this, overfishing is closely related to bycatch. Bycatch refers to catching unwanted sea life when fishing for certain species of fish. In many cases, bycatch involves sea turtles or cetaceans. Although these animals are sometimes thrown back to sea, they don’t always survive.
The result is that marine ecosystems are seriously harmed, pushing several different species and fish populations into decline.
Why Overfishing Is So Harmful
One of the major implications of overfishing is a decrease in marine life populations. While this in and of itself is bad, it also has major implications for the entire ecosystem.
When overfishing leads a particular species to fall into decline, it means that other animals lower in the food chain no longer have predators. Without predators, certain species, such as microorganisms like plankton, can begin to grow in excess. This can lead to algae blooms, which release toxic chemicals into the oceans, killing even more fish.
Additionally, overfishing contributes to plastic pollution in oceans. Fishing gear such as traps, nets, and lines make up a disproportionate amount of ocean pollution. When overfishing takes place, it becomes more likely that these types of debris will end up in our oceans.
Steps Being Taken to Prevent Overfishing
Overfishing isn’t a new problem, and much of the reason that it’s able to continue to occur is that government agencies haven’t implemented regulations to prevent it. This allows overfishing to run rampant, causing problems that build on each other.
Luckily, governments are starting to acknowledge the harmful effects of this type of fishing behavior and to implement policies to help prevent it.
One such piece of legislation that may help prevent overfishing is the new UN Treaty to Protect the High Seas. This treaty aims to limit harmful effects on oceans by 2030, removing plastics and protecting marine habitats.
How to Help Prevent Overfishing
Although government action is key to protecting our oceans and preventing overfishing, it’s not the only way to make a difference. Individuals can also help put a stop to overfishing through small actions.
Here are a few different ways to help prevent overfishing.
Purchase Sustainable Seafood — One of the easiest ways to prevent overfishing is to avoid purchasing fish from companies that utilize harmful fishing practices. In doing so, you can help put a stop to the flow of income to these companies, making them less likely to be able to continue their operations. When purchasing seafood, look for labels such as the bluefish tick. This marking means that the fish was sourced by a sustainable fishery. This helps incentivize fisheries to implement sustainable practices rather than turn to overfishing.
Back Rights-Based Management of Fisheries — Fisheries are traditionally managed in a way that incentivizes workers to catch as many fish as they can in the least amount of time. Unfortunately, this type of management structure often leads to unsustainable fishing practices. A new management structure that can help avoid these types of practices is something called rights-based management. Rights-based management means that fishers are promised a portion of their catch as long as they adhere to limits on how, when, and how much fish they catch. Supporting organizations that implement rights-based management systems can help encourage sustainable fishery management and reduce overfishing.
Cut Back on Food Waste — Seafood goes bad quickly, which can, unfortunately, lead to food waste. However, this type of food waste often causes fisheries to attempt to catch more fish in order to replenish what’s being thrown away. Try to cut back on seafood waste by properly storing fish or purchasing smaller portions. This helps reduce the quotas needed by fisheries and helps prevent overfishing practices.
Educate Others — One big way to help change overfishing practices is to educate others. Many people aren’t aware of overfishing or of how it can harm our oceans. By teaching others about the problems with overfishing and how to avoid it, you can start to enact small changes that can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts
Overfishing is a harmful practice that has serious implications for our marine ecosystems. If we don’t put a stop to overfishing practices, we may find that ocean ecosystems simply can’t bounce back as they have been doing for years.
Taking actions like purchasing sustainable seafood, reducing seafood waste, and educating others can all help put a stop to overfishing. Try implementing these practices in your everyday lifestyle to help support the health of our marine communities and save our environment.
