5.8 Impacts of Overfishing

This set of flashcards covers vocabulary and key concepts related to the impacts of overfishing, including definitions, causes, and potential solutions.

Overfishing

The practice of catching fish at a rate that exceeds their ability to reproduce, leading to a decline in fish populations.

Effects of overfishing

Lessen biodiversity in aquatic systems

harm people who depend on fishing for food and commerce.

Fishery Collapse

A significant decline in fish population, typically defined as a 90% reduction, which may prevent the population from recovering.

Decreases genetic biodiversity, lost of income for fisherman etc.

Bottom Trawling

dragging a large net along the ocean floor causing severe habitat destruction and high bycatch rates. decreases biodiversity

Bycatch

Fish that you don’t intend to catch and get caught in nets (turtles, dolphins, whales). Can kill them

Tragedy of the Commons

A situation in which individuals acting independently in their own self-interest deplete shared resources, leading to negative consequences for the entire group.

Trophic Cascade

A phenomenon triggered by the removal of top predators, resulting in dramatic changes in ecosystem structure and species populations.

Economic Consequences of Overfishing

Lost income for fishermen and communities due to depleted fish stocks, affecting local economies reliant on fishing and tourism.