Overfishing is the removal of a species of fish from a body of water at a rate that the species cannot replenish in time, resulting in those species either becoming depleted or very underpopulated in that given area. We are losing species as well as entire ecosystems. As a result the overall ecological unity of our oceans are under stress and at risk of collapse. We are at risk of losing a valuable food source many depend upon for social, economical or dietary reasons. Endangered or protected species such as certain marine mammals, or other aquatic species of little or no commercial or recreational value are being caught at this very second. If caught, they are eventually discarded either at the sea or shore. Overfishing can occur in water bodies of any sizes, such as ponds, rivers, lakes or oceans, and can result in resource depletion, reduced biological growth rates and low biomass levels. Fish populations are no longer able to sustain itself because of this big issue.

This issue is plaguing our Earth as we speak. We NEED a change before it is too late. This problem is being overlooked by many people. Not that much is being done about oceans in general, let alone overfishing. We need to decrease the amount of fish that is currently being fished out. We have to remember that if we continue at this rate, we will lose all seafood by 2050. We need better fishing equipment so it won’t catch animals like turtles, dolphins, and other similar ones. We need a better system of tracking down illegal companies. These companies generate billions of dollars a year through illegal acts. We need better regulated fishing too. If there isn’t enough management, we will continue to lose our fish and hurt our oceans.

We need more people aware of this so something can be done, before it is too late. We have to eat less predatory fish to lower the demand. This includes fish like bass, halibut, or Atlantic salmon. Predatory fish populations are decreasing and it must be fixed. In general, we need to eat less fish to cut down the high demand for fish. Consumer changes and government action is vital on changing the problem of overfishing.

We want change from the Chief Operating Officer for NOAA Fisheries, Paul Doremus. We already see that they are trying to conduct change through the Magnuson-Stevens Act by having stricter management. But looking through statistics, overfishing is only becoming worse over the years. NOAA plays a big role on fixing this issue but there needs to be stricter management. We want more people to eat less fish and show support towards fixing this issue.

If something is being done about this issue, our oceans will thrive in the long run. But if nothing is done, we can’t depend on our own oceans anymore.