The Birth of Fish; The Death of Oceans Essay - 3519 Words

The Birth of Fish; The Death of Oceans Overview: Life and death are themselves opposites; then again in our oceans, life sometimes causes death. Over the past few decades, the demand for edible seafood has sky rocketed, resulting in the formation of aquacultures and overfishing. As of now, the two greatest threats to our marine resources result from overfishing and water pollution. Commercial fishing targets key fish species, resulting in an imbalance of the marine ecosystem. In response to the near elimination of these species, an industry has developed to raise these species in farm communities. It was the initial belief of many that aquacultures would help offset the demand for more seafood. However, the result of fish†¦show more content†¦Overfishing also disrupts the hierarchy in the food chain as well, since many of the big game fish are targeted by these companies. When this occurs, fishing fleets then start a process known as fishing down, which is a phrase that was started by Pauly (Pauly, par. 12). Because of overfishing, some members of society have decided to farm raise fish for the consumption by humans. Fish farming, otherwise known as aquaculture, was started in hopes of preserving the oceans and providing a reliable source of seafood. In some instances, it does wonders; in other ways it has hurt the oceans greatly. For certain fish species, such as the vegetarian and shellfish eaters, it makes sense to farm them. For fish such as salmon and other carnivorous fish, it is highly inefficient to farm them. Other byproducts of fish farming include the production of waste, the displacing of natural breeding habits, the spreading of disease, and the addition of other pollutants into the ocean (Pros, par. 3). There is an importance in analyzing the differences between the pros and cons to determine whether or not the good outweighs the bad. One of the major factors which leads us to many questions about the ocean is that of pollution. Pollution occurs in many ways that we can and cannot influence. Pollution occurs from human unsanitary conditions, as well as from agriculture and fish farming. For example, in the Florida Keys andShow MoreRelatedMarine Contamination and Pollution Essay856 Words   |  4 Pagesthe beginning of modern civilization, man has continuously polluted the oceans. As more and more pollution entered the Earth?s oceans and problems became evident, man has been given the obligation to prevent further damage. Sewage, marine debris, toxic chemicals, heavy metals, oil, and radioactive materials constitute six major categories of marine pollutants that mankind needs to prevent from entering the worlds oceans. Sewage has a short lifespan, it decomposes due to microscopic organismsRead MorePlastic Pollution And Its Effects On The Environment1129 Words   |  5 Pages Plastic Pollution is a man made disaster, but it is rapidly growing every day. It is causing harm to oceans, sea life, and even human life, as we know it. It is important to prevent plastics from ever touching the ocean and we need to do something about it soon. Plastic pollution is something that is dramatically impacting the environment and taking action is something we have to do before it affects more of our planet. The plastic pollution in the water is affecting our own well-being. There areRead MoreShark Finning Is The Removal Of The Shark999 Words   |  4 PagesEvery year there are thousands and millions of sharks dying in the ocean simply, because of a soup? Not a soup that makes you feel or look any younger, nor does it cure a sickness, but because of a delicacy. Sharks are at a high demand mainly in East Asia. 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