THE PERILS OF
OVERFISHING
OVERFISHING
The world is on the brink of an ecological disaster, as up to 90% of the world’s fishstock are either depleted or endangered. Scientists believe that if fisheries are not kept in check, there will be no more fish by 2025.
The world’s fishing fleets are harvesting at 2-3 times more than the recommended sustainable level.
250%
The trawling nets can bulldoze coral reefs, destroying the fragile home to many marine animals.
Reefs
of all the fish in the world are being harvested at a rate faster than they can produce.
75%
of all large predator fish such as sharks, tuna, cod, halibut, and swordfish have been harvested.
90%
of all fish have been fully exploited or in decline.
70%-80%
Nets are so huge that they catch everything that swims in its path, including dolphins, porposes, sharks, whales, and turtles.
Bycatch
One of the more harmful methods of netting fish. These can easily fit 5 buses end to end. In 2007, trawl nets caught 800 million marine life.
Trawling
Large blanket-size nets are weighted to the bottom of the floor to catch all kinds of fish and marine animals.
Gill nets
Some boats use long lines with several hooks attached for commercial fishing. These catch all kinds of animals, including birds.
Longline fishing
After the nets are dragged to the surface, few fish are left behind to breed and reproduce.
Left behind
Buy products from responsible companies.
Spread awareness.
Contact your government.
Spread awareness.
Contact your government.
What can be done?
Fisherman throw away hundreds or thousands of dead or dying fish and other marine animals caught in their nets.
27 million tons thrown away
So many fish are being harvested that they do not have enough time to mate and lay eggs.
Fewer fish
Belinda Ivey
CREATED BY
UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization
Environmental Defense Fund
World Wildlife Federation
Overfishing.org
Environmental Defense Fund
World Wildlife Federation
Overfishing.org
SOURCES