Overfishing--The Nation's Next Issue

                         

 Overfishing Poses a Threat to Our Environment and Economy

Article Summary:

In the article, it is explained that overfishing in oceans and large lakes is becoming a real issue. For example, the populations of grouper, tuna, swordfish, and sharks have taken a massive decline in the last two decades from overfishing. Fishermen are focused on catching the larger fish of the food chain, barely leaving any to help control the quickly growing aquatic environment. Many people argue that we must keep catching these fish to keep earning money, and selling the fish to restaurants worldwide is how LOTS of money is made. But eventually, there won't be any more predatory fish to catch, and will have us stuck with an even bigger issue. Since the end of the 20th century, humans have reduced the number of predatory fish populations by two thirds. This leaves barely any predatory fish to eat the smaller fish and keep them from overpopulating, which is what is currently going on. Also, the article says that by 2050, oceans could be COMPLETELY wiped out of predatory fish, leaving the food chain to suffer immensely!! Not many fishermen care to catch and eat smaller fish, as they are not very tasty and don't sell for much. However, the article states that if we don't cut down on the number of predatory fish we catch, our oceans and large bodies of water will suffer from a great overpopulation of small fish that nobody wants.

 

Analysis:

 

I think that fishermen and fishing companies need to cut down on the amount of predatory fish they are catching and selling. While it may be doing a lot of good for our economy, the number of fish will eventually run out. Many of the fish that are being caught are close to extinction, and fishermen and greedy companies don't even care. I think in order to save these populations, we need to try and find other alternative fish to catch until the populations boost up some more. Our wildlife and environment is in great danger, and overcrowding the oceans and lakes is a huge issue, while many may not even realize it.

 

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think that we should keep fishing for these predatory fish, or cut back on the amount we catch?
2. In what ways do you think we should help resolve this overfishing issue?
3. Do you think it is necessary that we pay attention to the environment, as well as other governmental issues?
4. What problems do you think this could lead to in the future?

Link to Article: https://www.newsela.com/articles/predatoryfish-decline/id/5713/