Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Overfishing Oceans Leads to 'Rise of Slime'

Depleted stocks throw ecosystems out of whack

By Drew Nelles,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 21, 2008 6:00 AM CDT

(Newser) – Overfishing results in more than just the depletion of one species—it can mean the degradation of entire ecosystems. As the populations of large, predatory fish such as sharks and tuna decline, their prey flourishes, with sometimes-devastating results. The Christian Science Monitor looks at the problem of the world's increasingly depleted oceans.

A combination of overfishing and pollution has led to a worldwide boom in primitive ocean life such as algae and jellyfish—something one professor calls "the rise of slime.” And in the eastern US, a decimated shark population has allowed lesser predators to thrive, setting off a chain reaction that has hit the scallop industry hard. To deal with such issues, scientists advocate a holistic approach—focus on improving the diversity of the entire ecosystem rather than the health of a few commercial species.

Scientists say the burst of growth in primitive life forms like algae is harming global coral reefs.
Scientists say the burst of growth in primitive life forms like algae is harming global coral reefs.   (Getty Images)
A fish vendor checks yellow fin tuna at a market in Manila.
A fish vendor checks yellow fin tuna at a market in Manila.   (Getty Images)
Fish waiting to be weighed and shipped out at Blackburn Brothers Seafood in Carolina Beach, NC, Thursday, May 29, 2008.
Fish waiting to be weighed and shipped out at Blackburn Brothers Seafood in Carolina Beach, NC, Thursday, May 29, 2008.   (AP Photo/Logan Wallace)
Joe Blackburn weighs a commercial catch at on the dock at Blackburn Brothers Seafood in Carolina Beach, N.C., Thursday, May 29, 2008.
Joe Blackburn weighs a commercial catch at on the dock at Blackburn Brothers Seafood in Carolina Beach, N.C., Thursday, May 29, 2008.   (AP Photo/Logan Wallace)
A Libyan couple shop for fresh fish at the new fish market in Tripoli, Libya, Sunday, June 15, 2008.
A Libyan couple shop for fresh fish at the new fish market in Tripoli, Libya, Sunday, June 15, 2008.   (AP Photo/Abdel Magid Al Fergany)
Indonesian fisherman loads fish at Benoa harbor, Bali, Indonesia, Tuesday, June 10, 2008.
Indonesian fisherman loads fish at Benoa harbor, Bali, Indonesia, Tuesday, June 10, 2008.   (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)
Indonesian fishermen load fish at Benoa harbor, Bali, Indonesia, Tuesday, June 10, 2008.
Indonesian fishermen load fish at Benoa harbor, Bali, Indonesia, Tuesday, June 10, 2008.   (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)
A local fishermen, unseen, drags his catch of fish through the water as he returns to shore, after spearing them in Kosi Bay, South Africa, Tuesday, May 6, 2008.
A local fishermen, unseen, drags his catch of fish through the water as he returns to shore, after spearing them in Kosi Bay, South Africa, Tuesday, May 6, 2008.   (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Fish Stocks Are Fine, So Dig In

How to Save the Oceans: Eat Sardines

Gulf Oil Spill Fallout Baffles Scientists

Overfishing Plagues Filet-O-Fish's Main Ingredient

Supreme Court Rules for Power Plants, Against Fish


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne