Quck answer
Overfishing is one of the major causes of the endangerment of many species of fish and marine life. This occurs when too many fish are caught at a rate that exceeds their ability to reproduce, causing their populations to decline rapidly. This not only affects the fish but also impacts the entire ocean ecosystem. Overfishing also has negative social and economic impacts on fishing communities. To combat overfishing, sustainable fishing practices need to be implemented, such as limiting the amount of fish caught and protecting certain areas from fishing. Additionally, consumers can make a difference by choosing sustainably sourced seafood.
Threatened Species
Guide for Consumers to Prevent Overfishing
DCL
Simply put, overfishing is the unsustainable use of the oceans, caused by catching too much of a particular type of fish, resulting in a general decline of the ecosystem. Fishing fleets worldwide are now two to three times larger than what our waters can maintain, and some fishing methods have a ripple effect, causing damage to species that are not even the primary target.
There are many ways to make a difference and help reduce this crisis, from sharing information with family and friends to contacting elected officials for support. If you consume fish, learn which popular seafoods have less of an impact on the ecosystem and which ones to avoid using our guide below.
Caviar
BEST: Farmed Sturgeon and Paddlefish Roe in the US
AVOID: All imported and wild-caught (including beluga, osetra, and sevruga)
Although often associated with the wealthy, caviar is simply salted sturgeon eggs. However, the bulk of it comes from the Caspian Sea, where sturgeon are in serious danger of extinction due to overfishing and water pollution. As a result, the US has banned the import of beluga caviar, among others. However, if you still crave a “champagne wishes and caviar dreams” experience, opt for US-farmed white sturgeon and paddlefish instead.
Crab
BEST: Dungeness or Stone Crab
AVOID: King Crab, which is imported only
Native to the Pacific coast, Dungeness crabs are considered the most eco-friendly option since they are caught using traps that allow fishermen to release any bycatch unharmed. Furthermore, Dungeness crab fisheries have an extensive management system that allows only mature males of a certain size to be captured to safeguard future populations and supply. While US king crab fishing is well-managed, batches imported from Russia continue to harm the environment and should be avoided.
Chilean Seabass
AVOID: All
Contrary to popular belief, the Chilean seabass is not actually a bass and is not always caught in Chilean waters. The increasing demand in restaurants for this white, fleshy fish has resulted in widespread illegal and unregulated overfishing, as well as bycatch consequences, especially for the endangered albatross.
Eel
BEST: Wild North American Eels (anguilla rostrata)
AVOID: Farmed eel raised from the Japanese (anguilla japonica) species
Unfortunately, most freshwater eel served in sushi markets is prepared using the endangered anguilla japonica species. Farming can cause severe environmental pollution since waste from net pens and ponds is not treated before discharge. This practice is also reliant on wild-caught juvenile or glass eels, which may be contributing to declines in wild populations. The US maintains a small eel fishery that primarily targets adult eels. The glass eel fishery in the US and Canada is highly restricted and subject to strict regulation and scientific oversight.
Flatfish (Halibut, Sole, Flounder)
BEST: Wild-caught Pacific (including Alaskan halibut and Dover sole)
AVOID: Wild-caught Atlantic (including flounder and sole)
There are 13 species of flatfish, such as flounder, halibut, and sole. The best choice is Pacific over Atlantic, as the latter has been overfished for decades. California halibut caught by gillnets should be avoided as it causes bycatch-related issues. Pacific halibut is the most eco-friendly choice among this type of fish.
Rockfish
The best choice is black rockfish caught by hook-and-line, while all trawl-caught fish such as rock cod, Pacific snapper, red snapper, and Pacific Ocean perch should be avoided. More than 70 types of rockfish live off the Pacific coast, and most of them are vulnerable to overfishing as they mature late and are caught before they can reproduce. Bottom trawling, which causes significant habitat damage, is the most commonly used method for procurement.
Salmon
The best choice is Alaskan, wild-caught salmon, including coho, sockeye, king, pink and red, and sake. All farmed salmon, including Atlantic, should be avoided. Pacific salmon from Alaska has the best fishery management and monitoring, with relatively pristine freshwater habitats. Farmed salmon contributes to water pollution and disease.
Scallops
Bay scallops from China, produced via suspension culture, have a relatively low impact on the environment and are the best choice. Sea scallops, often used in sushi, are larger and usually caught by dredging, which causes extensive damage to the seafloor habitat. Farmed scallops are a better choice.
Shrimp
Oregon pink wild-caught shrimp, including salad and cocktail, are the best choice as they use the least damaging trawl configurations and devices. Imported shrimp, both wild-caught and farmed, should be avoided as they contribute to pollution and habitat loss. Northern shrimp farmed in the Canadian and U.S. Atlantic regions can also provide a reasonable alternative.
Tuna
Albacore or yellowfin tuna caught by troll/pole or handline are the best choice, while longline-caught fish, including ahi, should be avoided.
If you’re looking for an ocean-friendly option when it comes to catching albacore tuna, it’s best to go with troll or pole-and-line methods, especially in British Columbia and Hawaii. Longline catches should be avoided as they often result in the bycatch of multiple endangered or threatened species such as sharks, sea turtles, and seabirds. The same goes for yellowfin tuna, which is generally considered to be at healthy levels of abundance by fishery managers. However, when caught through troll or pole fisheries, bycatch for yellowfin tuna is typically minimal compared to longline hauls that can cause more harm. If you want to learn more about overfishing and sustainable seafood options, The Blue Ocean Institute’s Guide to Ocean Friendly Seafood or the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Web site are great resources to check out.
FAQ
1. What is overfishing?
Overfishing is the act of fishing more fish than can be replenished naturally, leading to a decline in fish populations and potential extinction of certain species.
2. How does overfishing affect the environment?
Overfishing not only depletes fish populations but also disrupts the balance of marine ecosystems. It can cause changes in food webs, reduce biodiversity, and even alter the physical structure of the ocean floor.
3. What are the main causes of overfishing?
The main causes of overfishing are overcapacity of fishing fleets, lack of proper management and regulation, and high demand for certain species of fish.
4. What are the consequences of overfishing?
Consequences of overfishing include the depletion of fish populations, potential extinction of certain species, decreased biodiversity, and economic losses for fishing communities.
5. What are some solutions to overfishing?
Solutions to overfishing include implementing proper management and regulation, reducing fishing capacity, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and increasing awareness about the issue.
6. What is an endangered species?
An endangered species is a species of animal or plant that is at risk of becoming extinct due to threats such as habitat loss, poaching, and climate change.
7. How does overfishing contribute to species endangerment?
Overfishing can contribute to species endangerment by depleting fish populations that certain species rely on for food. It can also lead to accidental bycatch, where non-target species are caught and killed.
8. What are the consequences of species endangerment?
Consequences of species endangerment include the loss of biodiversity, disruption of ecosystems, and potential negative impacts on human health and well-being.
9. What are some ways to protect endangered species?
Ways to protect endangered species include habitat conservation, reducing pollution and climate change, implementing laws and regulations to prevent poaching and illegal trade, and promoting public awareness and education.
10. Why is it important to protect endangered species?
It is important to protect endangered species because they play important roles in maintaining healthy ecosystems and provide various benefits to humans, such as food, medicine, and recreation. Additionally, losing species can have irreversible impacts on the planet’s biodiversity and overall health.
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