Impact of Fisheries on Marine Ecosystems

GONZÁLEZ R.; NARVARTE M.A; ARIAS M.; AVACA M.S.; CRESPO E

Marine Ecology: An ecosystemic view of anthropogenic impacts

CRC Press

Año: 2023; p. 1 - 34

In this chapter, we present a review of the present knowledge dealing with the impact of fishing on marine ecosystems, focusing on the main aspects that have been at the center of the debate in recent decades. For that purpose, we first explore the available information referring to the direct effects—namely, the magnitude of the catches in relation to the biologic productivity of the stocks, the problem of bycatch and discards, and the mechanical effect and disturbance of bottom trawling on the seafloor structure and dynamics. Thereafter we refer to the indirect impacts of fishing, such as the alteration of trophic webs and the effects on top predators. Certain instances and examples are commented on and analyzed in order to expose the scope of the problem within the context of the relevant regional fisheries. Finally, the socioeconomic implications are discussed along with the efforts that science and management are making at the global level to prevent or mitigate the impacts of fishing in general on marine ecosystems.