What impact does overfishing have on marine ecosystems?

Overfishing significantly disrupts marine ecosystems, primarily by depleting fish populations to unsustainable levels. When key species are overfished, it can lead to a cascade of negative effects throughout the ecosystem. For instance, the removal of a predator can cause an increase in the populations of smaller fish or invertebrates, which may then overconsume their food sources, leading to further imbalance.

As certain species become endangered or extinct due to excessive fishing, the biodiversity of the ecosystem diminishes. The loss of biodiversity can make the ecosystem more vulnerable to diseases, environmental changes, and other stresses. This degradation can ultimately culminate in the collapse of entire ecosystems, where the complex interdependencies among species are disrupted, and the environment can no longer sustain its previous levels of life.

In summary, overfishing can weaken the resilience and functionality of marine ecosystems, leading to long-term ecological consequences.