Overfishing Group #: (Presenters names)

Why is overfishing a problem? No time for recovery Fish populations collapsing Supply limited (Koster, 2007)

U.S. seafood trade deficit = $8 billion discard rate in U.S. = 21.7% 70% of fish caught beyond capacity Data About Extent of Problem

Cause of Overfishing mainly over-exploitation (Jeantheau, 2005)

Impact on Environment Low growth rates Severe biomass levels Changes in species composition & biodiversity Extreme changes to the ocean: 1. Degradation of reefs 2. Destruction to bottom grasses

Impact on Human Health Prevents heart disease and strokes Poverty countries depend on fish Omega-3 fatty acids Overfishing = all of the above gone

Impact on Economy Industry earns $50 billion per year Huge industry; must be maintained As technology improves, we fish more. Fish population goes down, less revenue. Prices rise and technology is developed to meet demand.

Data on Impact coral reefs being destroyed population decreasing fish prices increase

Strategies for Addressing the Problem Promote fish farming Allow recovery-rotating fishing grounds Passing laws addressing issue (Miller & Levine, 2003)

Citations Jeantheau, M. (2005, May). Pretty Mermaids are Always Over Fishing for Compliments: The Causes and Effects of Overfishing. Retrieved October 25, 2010 from 07/ overfishing-article.htm Koster, P. (2007, March 22). Why is overfishing a problem? Retrieved October, 19, 2010 from Miller, K. R., & Levine, J. S. (2003). Biology: New York State. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Impacts of fishery activities. (2010, May 27). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Retrieved October 20, 2010 from Planet Earth: Overfishing. (2010). In Green Earth for DFW Environmentalists. Retrieved October 20, 2010 from -fishing.htm