Overfishing has led to declines in fish populations and damaged ocean ecosystems. Early overfishing in the 1800s depleted whale populations for oil. After WWII, efforts to increase protein availability quadrupled fishing capacity. Today the annual global fish catch exceeds 120 million tons, though overfishing is reducing populations of many species. Destructive fishing methods like bottom trawling damage coral reefs and seafloor habitats. Bycatch and discarded catch also contribute to declining fish and other marine species. No-take zones that prohibit all fishing have helped restore some ecosystems and fish populations.

1. Overfishing By Bedros, Yuliya, Miryana 10/8