Fish Conservation

Fish biodiversity is high with about 32,000 species, with most living in marine environments. But many fish species or populations are threatened due to habitat degradation and overfishing. Fisheries production is an important global industry, generating billions in profit and employing millions, but can have serious environmental costs from bycatch of endangered animals to altering genetic diversity. Climate change, pollution, human population growth, aquaculture plus other factors further impact fish populations and their supporting ecosystems. Sustaining healthy fish populations is possible, with marine protected area, good fisheries management, and greater public awareness about seafood production, all promoting fish conservation.