The effects of overfishing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The effects of overfishing - Essay Example The earth has various different natural resources, which are utilized by persons living in different geographical region. The number of people consuming fish is high as consumers are spread all over the world. As a means of getting resources for carrying on with their daily lives, many people residing around various water bodies indulge in fishing. In a bid to increase their income, fishermen usually strive to fish more; more fish implies more returns on investment. This practice is also practiced by commercial industries in a bid to maximize the profits realized. This leads to overfishing, which have adverse effects on the marine life, as some species of fish may become extinct (Ebbbin, Hoel & Sydes, 2005). The world’s population has been on the increase, which has necessitated the increase of the amount of food, and other resources required in order to support human life. Due to the increase in population, which translates to higher demand, there has been the need to increase the supply of fish. Therefore, the increased fish demand is satisfied through natural fishing or fish farming (Hilborn, 2012). In the case of fish farming, overfishing is not common with the farmers using certified nets while fishing; thus, ensuring that the fingerings are left in the ponds or dams. On the other hand, overfishing is rampant in wildlife fishing, where personal displine in adhering to the guidelines set to avoid overfishing is low. Wildlife overfishing has led to decline in the number of fish in the wildlife; thus having a negative effect on the diversity and richness of our environment. Overfishing has economic consequences to various stakeholders in the fishing and aquaculture industry. When overfishing is carried out, authorities in charge usually impose ban to fishing for certain periods to ensure that the fish breeds to the normal population. These bans make fishermen jobless; thus, affecting their living standards and of those who depend on them.