Are We Fishing Up Our Coral Reefs?

Overfishing is currently the most pervasive threat to coral reefs, impacting over 55% of the world’s populations. It is depleting keystone species and damaging coral reef habitats that many other organisms rely upon. Not only are coral reefs important to the animals living in them, but they also provide economic, cultural, and social benefits to us humans. Coral reef fisheries are an important source of food and wellbeing for many of the coastal communities across the globe. If well managed, these fisheries can be a great sustainable resource for all. However, recently as demand for seafood products increases, overfishing has become more and more prevalent. 

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) explores the impacts of overfishing on the general marine populations. Overfishing produces an excessive amount of bycatch. Bycatch is the accidental catch and release of an untargeted marine species while fishing. Unfortunately, that marine animal often dies as a result. Fishing gear such as nets, hooks, and other traps are often the culprit of this. As the rate of fishing goes up, so does the number of organisms that die from becoming bycatch. According to NOAA, “Losses often have a ripple effect, not just on the coral reef ecosystems themselves, but also on local economies that depend on them.” In other words, these losses will eventually come full circle, causing damage to the economy and ultimately us humans.

 

There is a large variety of fishing methods, with some being more harmful than others. Two types of lesser known methods that are used in commercial fishing include cyanide spraying and explosive fishing. Both methods are incredibly detrimental to coral reefs as they shatter growing coral colonies and kill coral tissue. Other methods include indiscriminate fishing- using nets and traps to catch larger amounts of fish, and fishing with a rod. The main problem with these methods is that they leave behind garbage and debris that is damaging to coral reefs. Metal fishing traps can get entangled in animal habitats, and fishing boat anchors tear through coral reef nurseries in shallower waters.

 

Although the future fishing industry is looking quite grim due to the ever-rising demand in seafood products, there are still some things that we can do to try and slow the process. Educating yourself on fishing rules and regulations can help keep fishing rates under control. Cutting down on recreational fishing is also something that can be hugely beneficial since bycatch can result from all types of fishing. By working on more sustainable methods, we can take steps to preserve our future.

 

Sources:

https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/coral-overfishing.html

https://reefresilience.org/stressors/local-stressors/overfishing-and-destructive-fishing-threats/

 

Posted by Charissa Yu (3)