VII. Overfishing

A. Harvesting Fish 1. Over half of all marine species are fully exploited 2. 25% are over-exploited and are moving toward extinction 3. These will lead to collapse of fisheries a. If continued at current rates will collapse by 2048

B. Factors Affecting 1. Overharvesting is just one factor a. Includes hunting, fishing, and collecting 2. Eutrophication and hypoxia damaging populations as well 3. Low populations of grazing marine animals have allowed overgrowth of grass beds a. Breeding ground for disease causing bacteria

4. Industrialization of fishing allows larger catches a. Driftnets float near surface trapping large schools of fish b. Long-lines- hooks and baits hang from floating line and catch predatory fishes c. Bottom-trawling- nets drag bottom trapping benthic fishes d. These methods overcatch valuable species as well as non-target organisms damaging the food web e. Also disrupt habitat

C. Outcomes 1. Able to makes declines by traveling farther and fishing deeper 2. We target similar species or younger fish 3. We can affect by our choices of marine products a. Must package how and where caught 4. Aquacultures have potential to lessen impact if done correctly