Ülepüügi

Ülepüügi, a term originating from Estonian, translates to overfishing. It describes the practice of catching fish faster than the fish population can replenish itself. This unsustainable rate of fishing can lead to a decline in fish stocks, potentially to the point of collapse. Overfishing affects not only the targeted species but also the entire marine ecosystem.

The causes of overfishing are varied. They include increased demand for seafood, advancements in fishing technology that allow for more efficient and widespread catches, and inadequate management and regulation of fishing activities. In some cases, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing further exacerbates the problem.

The consequences of overfishing are significant and far-reaching. Ecologically, it can disrupt food webs, leading to a loss of biodiversity and impacting the health of marine environments. Economically, overfishing can devastate fishing communities that rely on healthy fish populations for their livelihoods. Many countries and international bodies are working to implement sustainable fishing practices, establish marine protected areas, and enforce regulations to combat overfishing and ensure the long-term viability of fish populations.