Global Fish Stocks Depleting Faster Than Expected, New Study Warns
A new study published in Science has found that global fish stock assessment models may be overestimating the ocean’s resilience and recovery path from overfishing. The research compares previous and latest assessments of 230 major global fish stocks.
According to the World Wildlife Fund’s Living Blue Planet Report, populations of marine vertebrates have halved since 1970, threatening global food security and biodiversity. More than 30 percent of marine species are now at risk of extinction.
In the new study, marine ecologist Graham Edgar from the University of Tasmania and his colleagues warn that outdated assessment models often overestimate fish stock recovery potential and fail to reflect the actual state of global fisheries. Nearly 29 percent of fisheries classified as sustainable by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization are overfished, with some stock levels falling to less than 10 percent of their previous populations.
Experts emphasize that miscalculations of fish stocks could lead to ineffective fishery management policies, worsening the decline. The study calls for revisions of stock assessment models to correctly reflect the environmental changes and ensure sustainable fishery practices globally.
J.K. Park Staff Reporter junior/1727231202/1613368089
1. What is the main concern of the new study about global fish stocks?
2. How much have populations of marine vertebrates decreased since 1970, according to the World Wildlife Fund?
3. What do experts say is wrong with the current fish stock assessment models?
4. What percentage of fisheries classified as sustainable are actually overfished?
1. Have you ever learned about overfishing before? What do you think about it?
2. Why do you think it’s important to protect fish populations and marine life?
3. What do you think would happen if fish stocks continue to decline? How would it affect people?
4. What can people do to help make sure that fish populations don’t get overfished?
A new study published in Science has found that global fish stock assessment models may be overestimating the ocean’s resilience and recovery path from overfishing. The research compares previous and latest assessments of 230 major global fish stocks.
