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Overfishing

Definition

Overfishing is the act of catching fish from sea at rates too high for fished species to replace themselves.

Analogy

Imagine if you had a cookie jar filled with cookies. If you eat all the cookies today, there won't be any left for tomorrow! That's overfishing - taking more than can be replenished naturally over time.

Related terms

Aquaculture: This refers to the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, shellfish, and even plants in controlled environments. It’s like agriculture but underwater!

Marine Conservation: This involves protecting and preserving marine ecosystems from being destroyed or depleted due to human activity such as overfishing.

Bycatch: Bycatch refers to unwanted marine creatures caught during commercial fishing for different species. It’s like going apple picking and accidentally picking oranges too.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.