Overfishing - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Overfishing is the excessive harvesting of fish from oceans, rivers, or lakes, often beyond sustainable levels. It depletes fish populations, disrupts ecosystems, and threatens food security for communities relying on fishing.
Definition:
Catching too many fish, depleting stocks and harming marine ecosystems.
Synonyms:
overharvesting, depletion, excessive fishing
Part of Speech:
noun, gerund
Antonyms:
conservation, sustainable fishing
Common Collocations:
overfishing crisis, prevent overfishing, effects of overfishing
Derivatives:
overfish (verb), overfished (adjective)
Usage Tips:
Use "overfishing" to describe unsustainable fishing practices threatening marine life and ecosystems.
Common Phrases:
"overfishing the oceans, " "stop overfishing, " "overfishing problem"
Etymology:
Derived from "over-" (excessive) + "fishing," first used in early 20th century for unsustainable fishing practices.
Examples:
- 1. Overfishing has drastically reduced tuna populations worldwide.
- 2. Many coastal communities suffer due to overfishing by large commercial fleets.
- 3. Strict laws are needed to prevent overfishing in vulnerable areas.
- 4. Scientists warn that overfishing could lead to the collapse of marine ecosystems.