overfishing

Overfishing is the removal of fish from a population at a rate that exceeds the species’ natural ability to reproduce and replenish. It occurs when fishing pressure is too high relative to the stock’s productivity, leading to declines in abundance, reduced yields, and potential stock collapse. Overfishing can involve targeting a species directly or capturing that species as bycatch in other fisheries.

Causes include technological advances that increase catch efficiency, such as sonar and large-capacity vessels; economic incentives and open-access or poorly regulated fisheries; subsidies that encourage higher effort; and inadequate stock assessments or weak enforcement. Together, these factors can sustain high harvest levels even as stocks become depleted.

Impacts are ecological and socio economic. Ecologically, overfishing can reduce not only target populations but also biodiversity and ecosystem function, including through bycatch and habitat damage from some gear. Economically, it can lower future catches, disrupt livelihoods, raise price volatility, and threaten food security in dependent communities. Rebuilding depleted stocks often requires long periods of reduced fishing effort and coordinated management.

Management approaches aim to set sustainable limits and reduce exploitation. Measures include science-based catch limits or total allowable catches, rights-based or catch-share systems, area or gear restrictions, and the establishment of marine protected areas. Improved data collection, monitoring, and enforcement, along with regional fisheries management organizations and international guidelines, support more sustainable fishing. Public awareness and consumer choices also play roles in reducing demand for overfished stocks.