Overfishing
Overfishing
Overfishing (/ˌoʊvərˈfɪʃɪŋ/) is the removal of a species of fish from a body of water at a rate that the species cannot replenish, resulting in those species becoming underpopulated in that area.
Etymology
The term "overfishing" is a compound word derived from the English words "over," meaning excessively, and "fishing," the activity of catching fish. It was first used in the early 20th century to describe the phenomenon of fish depletion due to excessive fishing activities.
Definition
Overfishing occurs when more fish are caught than the population can replace through natural reproduction. This often occurs due to the advancements in fishing technologies and increased human populations. Overfishing can lead to depletion of or extinction of fish populations.
Causes
The primary cause of overfishing is industrial fishing, which includes commercial fishing and fishing for profit. Other causes include illegal fishing, unregulated fishing, and the lack of effective fishery management.
Effects
Overfishing can lead to a decrease in biodiversity, disrupt marine ecosystems, and lead to the extinction of certain marine species. It can also affect the livelihood of communities that depend on fishing.
Related Terms
- Fishing industry
- Illegal fishing
- Unregulated fishing
- Fishery management
- Biodiversity
- Marine ecosystems
- Marine species
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Overfishing
- Wikipedia's article - Overfishing
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