Oceans

Overfishing and the sustainability aspect

Overfishing ClubBioman
Written by KARTIKEYA KUMAR

More than half of the world human population depends on fish as a daily food source. But with huge demands from the industry – fishes (and in turn, the oceans) are exploited way beyond the limits. Our short term needs might get fulfilled, but the disastrous impact overfishing is having on our oceans and the earth. The oceans, just like land, have a system of interdependence among species. Overfishing not only hampers the lives of fish, but also the lives of all other species in the ocean and on the earth as well.

Who does overfishing affect

  1. The fish themselves, of course
  2. Humans
  3. Other sea species that consume fish
  4. The health and quality of the ocean’s waters

In fact, many species, including the fishes specifically hunted, are getting extinct.

Many methods of fishing are illegal, and if not that, then at least inhuman. Methods like bottom trawling destroy the seafloor and kill more species than desired for hunting, and bring their corpses to the surface.

Other Effects

Overfishing also results in degradation of the quality of fish that is hunted. Many fishes are extracted from contaminated waters, and might themselves contain some of these contaminants Besides, cyanide fishing and other chemical methods result also add to the woes.  

Sustainability is the need of the hour, as far as fishing and fish consumption is concerned. If we make sure that the source and fishing method of the fish on our table is sustainable and eco-friendly, we can do our bit in saving the oceans. Just try to know about where and how far your fish comes from, how it is hunted, and how is the quality of the waters from where the fishes originate getting affected.

Stay tuned to our website for more updates on how we, as citizens, can do our bit in stopping overfishing and reviving our oceans.

About the author

KARTIKEYA KUMAR