Overview of Overfishing
Overfishing is a critical issue in today's society. It affects the overall health of our oceans, results in reduced oxygen levels, introduces diseases on the ocean floor, and has run unchecked for too long (EPA, 2018). If this issue continues, it could lead to a huge reduction of fish populations and result in the overall downturn of our ocean's ecosystem. Industrial fishing began in the late 1800s, when steam powered boats were available and railroads connected the towns. By the 1930s, boats were traveling further out due to a depletion of fish population close to the shore. In the 1950s, it was hoped that the ocean would provide cheap protein for people, and would be able to sustain the annual catch. The number of fishing vessels increased towards the end of the century, and they became more efficient, meaning they could bring in even more fish. This idea of the ocean having a limitless amount of food supply for humans has resulted in the crisis that we are facing today (...