Jimmy Carter

When too many fish are taken, overfishing is a major issue that affects not just the targeted fish population but also other marine life. Those who depend on a healthy ocean may be harmed by the ecosystem collapse caused by this unsustainable practice.

Overfishing Definition

When fish are caught more quickly than they can reproduce, it is considered excessive fishing, which has negative effects for the ecology and people who depend on the ocean.

What’s Wrong with Overfishing?

With the number of overfished stocks increasing since 1970, unsustainable fishing has escalated into a severe global issue. Currently, one-third of fish populations are overfished, and this unsustainable practice may cause ecosystems to collapse, which will have an effect on people who depend on the ocean for their livelihood.

Effects of Overfishing

The biodiversity is impacted by overfishing, including other marine species that is taken during fishing operations. The Grand Banks cod fishery collapse in Canada in 1992 resulted in the loss of 35,000 jobs and led to the establishment of the MSC.

How to Stop Overfishing?

To make the seafood sector sustainable, ocean stakeholders must work together to stop unsustainable fishing. The MSC Fisheries Standard, which reflects the most recent advancements in internationally recognized fisheries science and management, has been certified, suspended, under assessment, or working toward certification for a fifth of the world’s wild-caught fisheries catch.

Unreported Fishing

Fishing quotas and environmental restrictions are disregarded by IUU fishing, adding to the issue of overfishing. It jeopardizes the viability of fish populations, ecosystems, and the means of subsistence for lawful fishermen.

How Illegal Fishing is Handled by the MSC Program?

The MSC program requires fishermen to put in place effective management systems to track down legal infractions and safeguard the stock.

The Chain of Custody Standard stops illegal seafood from reaching the market, while the MSC Fisheries Standard enhances catch data and tightens monitoring, control, and surveillance.

Damaging Fishing

The use of explosives and cyanide fishing are two of the most destructive fishing methods, causing irreparable harm to ecosystems and habitats and reducing biodiversity.

Unsustainable fishing is a serious problem with negative effects, but it may be stopped using sustainable fishing methods and cooperation among ocean stakeholders. This unsustainable approach causes ecosystems to collapse, biodiversity to disappear, and livelihoods to disappear. But it is possible to maintain the condition of our oceans.