What are some indirect effects of overfishing on the environment?

Answer 1

Overfishing can disrupt marine ecosystems by altering species dynamics and reducing biodiversity, as key predator and prey relationships are affected. The depletion of fish populations can lead to the overgrowth of algae and other organisms, resulting in imbalanced ecosystems and potentially harmful algal blooms. Additionally, overfishing can impact habitat structures, such as coral reefs and seagrass beds, which rely on healthy fish populations for nutrient cycling and resilience. These changes can ultimately affect entire marine food webs and the livelihoods of communities that depend on these ecosystems.