Hydrosphere Contents

5. Aquatic Habitats

In every ocean there are too many boats taking too many fish, which threatens the sustainable populations of fish and other marine wildlife

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates that almost 80% of the world's major fisheries are either fully exploited, over-exploited, or depleted. There is a major problem with fisheries of all sizes, as their principal aim is to maximise their yields, despite the consequences on the fish populations. Management plans need to be based on scientific and conservation principles, and sustainability. When practised these management plans have beneficial effects on both the fishing trade and the fish populations. Many resolutions have been adopted and countries have been called on to review their fishing practices and reduce their fishing capacity, in line with sustainable principles.

The global fishing fleet is currently 2-3 times larger than what the oceans can sustainably support, and current estimates for fishing indicates that unless the situation improves, stocks of all species currently commercially fished for food, are predicted to collapse by 2048.

Aquatic habitats

Is fishing currently sustainable?