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| Bycatch: Albatross killed by longline fishing. Photo: California Academy Of Sciences |
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Background
Fishing for food has occurred for thousands of years, but until recently, did not occur on such a large scale as to severely deplete the ocean’s resources.
Today’s fisheries, which provide the means for the organized and mass harvesting of a certain species of fishes or shellfishes, are in severe danger due to over-fishing, destructive commercial fishing practices, and pollution. For example: currently, over 82 million metric tons are harvested annually with 67 of the 156 fish stocks in the United States being overexploited; the average size of fish being caught has continually decreased; fewer fish are reproducing and stocks are continuing to decrease.
Fisheries exploitation can result in the following impacts on the oceans and the other organisms that live and feed there:
Unless changes are made, the goal of fish as a sustainable source of food will be out of reach. We must recognize that it is a myth that the oceans are limitless.
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More Information
Sustainability
Fisheries
Fishing Guide
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