Overfishing and Ocean Pollution
How does it lead to marine ecosystem depletion?
What are the consequences of overfishing and ocean pollution?
Overfishing and ocean pollution have serious impacts on marine ecosystems, leading to the depletion of marine ecosystems. These human activities disrupt the balance in marine life causing harm to biodiversity, altering ecosystem structure, and reducing the ability for the ecosystem to recover. This article will dive in-depth into how these factors affect the marine ecosystem.
One of the main consequences of overfishing is the disturbance of food chains in the ocean. When a certain fish species are caught excessively, it disrupts the natural balance between predator and prey. Fishing too many predators will cause an increase in the number of prey species, which inevitably affects other organisms in the ecosystem. For example, the depletion of sharks can result in a population spike of their prey like squids and fishes. This will then go on to disrupting the entire food web leading to imbalances throughout the ecosystem.
Additionally, fishermen usually target larger or adult fishes that have the ability to reproduce. Catching these fishes at a high rate, makes it difficult for them to reproduce and obtain enough offspring to sustain the population. This leads to the decline of new fish, resulting in fewer fish overall. Also, the decline in certain fish species can affect the availability of prey for other species changing the abundance and distribution. The loss of large reproductive-age fish can disrupt the genetic diversity of populations, making them less capable of adapting to environmental changes.
Figure 1: Mass Fishing (NatGEO Wild , 2018)
Ocean pollution also plays a significant role in harming ecosystems. When harmful substances such as plastic, chemicals, fishing nets, and oil spills enter the ocean, they cause damage to the marine ecosystem and environment, harming the organisms. For example, plastic and fishing nets can entangle animals such as turtles, seabirds, and sharks leading to injuries, impaired movement, and even death. Chemical pollutants can also accumulate in the organisms’ bodies, through a process called bioaccumulation. The toxins get passed down the food chain affecting other organisms as well. These toxins can interfere with normal body functions affecting growth, reproduction, and immune systems.
Figure 2: Plastic Pollution (NatGEO Wild , 2019)
In order to protect marine ecosystems, it is important to address these issues to counter overfishing and ocean pollution. By practising sustainable fishing methods, such as implementing fishing quotas, size limits, and protected areas, we can ensure the long term wellbeing of marine populations. Effective waste management and pollution control measures, including proper disposal of waste and regulation of chemical pollutants are also crucial for reducing the impacts of pollution on marine ecosystems. By taking these actions, we can help preserve the health of these marine ecosystems for a better future.
Reference List
Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources. (n.d.). In Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources. United Nations. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/oceans/ (Reprinted from Sustainable Development Goals)
How overfishing threatens the world's oceans—and why it could end in catastrophe. (2022, February 8). National Geographic: People, Animals, and the World. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/critical-issues-overfishing
Marinne pollution. (2017, August 28). National Geographic: People, Animals, and the World. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/marine-pollution/
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