Fish Conservation

Fish biodiversity is high, with about 32,000 species. Most live in saltwater environments. 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 fishing has serious environmental costs, from unintended catch of endangered animals to altering genetic diversity. Climate change, pollution, human population growth, aquaculture, plus other factors further affect fish populations and their supporting ecosystems. Sustaining healthy fish populations is possible, with marine protected areas, good fisheries management, and greater public awareness about seafood production all promoting fish conservation.