Overfishing

Question 1

What proportion of the population rely on fish as their main source of protein?

Answer 1

1/7 of the world’s population (1 billion)

Question 2

How big is the fishing industry?

Answer 2

The fishing industry is worth $250 billion employing 38 million

Question 3

What % of fish stocks are over-fished?

Answer 3

87% of fish stocks are overfished

Question 4

Impacts of over-fishing

Answer 4

Biodiversity

• Removal of larger predators - food web destruction and species being brought near extinction (e.g. North Sea Cod - populations have depleted since 1980, Sperm Whales)
• Intensive aquaculture has been needed to meet demand - around 50% of all fish is bred in aquaculture farms