Overfishing and climate change have been identified as two closely linked factors affecting the marine ecosystem, according to a new study.
The working paper, Ending Overfishing Can Mitigate Impacts of Climate Change, was commissioned by the environmental group Our Fish.
Authored by Dr Rashid Sumaila and Dr Travis Tai of the University of British Columbia, the study found that the two factors are "not mutually exclusive".
Dr Sumaila explained, "A healthy person is more likely to survive an epidemic than a person who is less healthy, and because of overfishing we have severely weakened the ocean’s immune system. Ending overfishing now would strengthen the ocean, making it more capable of withstanding climate change and restoring marine ecosystems."
Other Findings
Presently, at least 40% of fish in the North-East Atlantic and 87% in the Mediterranean and Black Seas are subject to unsustainable fishing practices, the study found.
Also, the onset of rapid climate change in marine ecosystems is a potential threat for some species.
According to Our Fish, the report’s findings offer EU governments a realistic opportunity to deliver immediate and effective action to eliminate overfishing.
'New Green Deal For Europeans'
Rebecca Hubbard, programme director of the Our Fish campaign, said, "The ocean generates more than half the oxygen we breathe, and buffers us against the worst impacts of dangerous climate change, but overfishing undermines its capacity to perform these critical jobs.
"The EU can deliver a stronger new Green Deal for Europeans by making the Green Deal 'Blue', and taking decisive action to end all overfishing in response to the climate emergency."
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
