Overfishing occurs when more fish are caught than can naturally replenish, threatening the balance of aquatic ecosystems. Methods like bottom trawling are especially destructive as they involve dragging heavy nets along the seafloor and result in substantial unintended bycatch. The effects of overfishing include decreased biodiversity, disruption of food webs and ecosystem balance, destruction of habitats like reefs, and depletion of a major food source that can ruin fishing industries. No-take zones that prohibit fishing have been established in some areas to allow fish populations to recover and ensure long-term prosperity of fishing. Additional measures proposed to combat overfishing include catch limits, improved enforcement, alternative fisheries, and abolishing destructive practices.

1. Overfishing Mila Daskalova Alexander Krastev Teodor Peev 10/3

5. http://nakedmaninthetree.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/before-and-after-view-of-botto.jpg http://www.greenpeace.org/raw/image_full/international/seafood/understanding-the-problem/fisheries-problems-today/bottom-trawling.jpg http://earthhopenetwork.net/bottom_trawling_fish_nets.jpg

9. http://web.mit.edu/12.000/www/m2011/finalwebsite/graphics/intro/OVERFISHINGfromPEW.gif