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Overfishing

The picture shows different fishing nets.

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Source: FG II 2.3 / UBA

14.08.2025

The problem:

The oceans have always been an indispensable source of food. But overfishing, bycatch and damage to habitats through destructive fishing methods are straining marine ecosystems. More and more fish species around the world are threatened by overfishing. Current fishing bans for cod and herring, for example, show the explosive nature of the situation in the Baltic Sea. Non-target species such as marine mammals, seabirds and sea turtles often die due to bycatch. The use of bottom trawls destroys the sensitive seabed and jeopardises biodiversity.

What can be done?

In addition to needed improvements in fisheries management, you too can contribute to effective marine protection by eating fish and seafood in an environmentally conscious way (in German only).

Article:

Tags:
 maritime protection Top

The UBA’s motto, For our environment (“Für Mensch und Umwelt”), sums up our mission pretty well, we feel. In this video we give an insight into our work.

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Source URL (modified on 15.08.2025):https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/en/overfishing