Abstract: Globally, fisheries and marine ecosystems are being exploited at a regular rate controlled by law. However, there is a dangerous activity by humans which contributes to the disruption of these systems. Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is one of the most serious threats to the health of the world's fisheries and oceans and to the security of the fishing trade. As demand increases and coastal fish stocks decline, ships are encouraged to take risks to pursue the ever-diminishing resources in the seas and oceans. The effects of this activity do not only reach a certain geographic area, but they also contribute to the decline of many different species. This affects marine ecosystems in general, spreading disruption throughout the connected systems quickly. The stability of these systems is achieved only by the interaction of each living organism with its environment, other species, and the non-living objects within the system. The risks of illegal fishing impact both individuals and countries as a whole. Statistics show that these negative activities contribute to the effects of food shortage, as well as directly impacting countries’ economies. Fortunately, countries have become aware of the danger this activity poses to both human and marine life. Many have created firm measures to deter these violations, establishing cooperative agreements at the international level and implementing other solutions that will be discussed in this literary review.
Keywords: Illegal fishing, Marine life, Aquatic organisms, Environmental damage, Human damage.
Title: Illegal fishing and its impacts on marine life
Author: Sufian Almubarak
International Journal of Life Sciences Research
ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)
Research Publish Journals
