Overfishing

LATEST TODAY'S CATCH

Be a Picky Eater

Apr 22, 2013 - 9:43AMWhen it comes to many of our once-favorite seafoods, there aren't always plenty more fish in the sea. In fact, some studies estimate that up to 90 percent of large predatory fish (those that eat other animals—and usually end up...
Jan 3, 2013 - 10:28AM
Buyers examine tuna lining the floor of Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, Japan...
Sep 28, 2012 - 12:12PM
A longshoreman stands in front of a large pile of oyster shells on...

SPOTLIGHT

Really Small Fry: Shifting Baselines in Marine Fish Stocks

A public service announcement uses a dramatic example to emphasize that ocean fish aren’t as big as they used to be. Find...
Really Small Fry  Shifting Baselines in Marine Fish Stocks
Apr 17 2013 - 2:09pm
We began this journey three months ago, a team of scientists and filmmakers traveling the East African coastline by boat to document and research the status of coral reefs from South Africa to Kenya. We have observed a lot of changes in the coral reef communities as we travel north. Some of these...
Protecting Sharks  How Nets Hurt
Jan 4 2010 - 5:20pm
Tom Peschak, a photojournalist with the Save Our Seas Foundation, describes the devastating effects shark nets have on ocean life along the South African coastline. The nets were installed to protect swimmers, but the video reveals the shark nets’ damage to fish, whales, turtles and dolphins as...
100 000 000 to 000 000 001  Rethink the Shark
Dec 18 2009 - 3:19pm
Who should fear whom? Less than ten humans are killed by shark attacks. Yet millions of sharks are killed each year by humans. More about the great white shark can be found in our Great White Shark featured story.
Nov 18 2010 - 4:49pm
Sunday, November 21 marks World Fisheries Day, an annual occasion observed in many fishing communities around the world. It’s a great opportunity—even for those of us who do not fish for a living—to pause and reflect on the importance of maintaining healthy fisheries.
May 17 2011 - 10:44am
Calling all fans of Bravo's "Top Chef" reality show: the Smithsonian Resident Associate Program is hosting Demystifying Seafood, a wine and dine event at the National Museum of Natural History on Thursday evening, June 9, 2011. "Top Chef" runner up Mike Isabella, fan favorite Carla Hall, season...
Making Aquaculture Sustainable
Jun 11 2010 - 1:13pm
Watch as Dr. Dallas Alston and a team of researchers study the effects of aquaculture at a fish farm near Puerto Rico. With careful planning and good daily practices, aquaculture can be part of a sustainable seafood strategy that helps feed people while protecting the environment.
Nov 18 2010 - 6:07pm
Alaskan king crab fisheries are on the rebound after years of unsustainable exploitation. New regulations mean that immediately after a haul is brought on board, the crabs are sorted and all females and under-sized crabs are released.
The No-Seafood Grill 2050
Dec 4 2009 - 11:48am
What will a restaurant visit be like if our fish supply becomes even more depleted? This public service announcement is a dramatic example of what the "catch of the day" might be if fisheries continue to be exploited.  Find out more about the ocean's fisheries and what impacts it has on your...
Jan 26 2010 - 11:44am
Sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) are among the many delicious and sustainable seafood choices. More about sustainable seafood can be found in our sustainable seafood featured story.
Jan 26 2010 - 11:46am
A North Atlantic right whale with a deep wound caused by entanglement in fishing gear floats at the surface in the Bay of Fundy on August 1, 1999. Crew members on the International Fund for Animal Welfare’s Song of the Whale research vessel provided support and assistance in efforts to disentangle...
Fish on a Farm
Jan 14 2011 - 2:27pm
As the popularity of seafood rises globally, companies are developing innovative and more efficient methods of harvesting fish to meet demand. While fish farming presents environmental concerns, experts are researching ways to make this process both profitable and eco-friendly. Explore other videos...
Nov 18 2010 - 4:08pm
Senagalese fishermen unload their catch. Traditional fishing has been a critical part of Senegal’s economy, contributing to the nation’s food security and providing jobs in many communities.
Jul 3 2012 - 10:23am
An albatross drowned after being accidentally caught on a longline near Brazil. Marine birds are among the species that can become bycatch. Watch a video about how scientists and fishermen are trying methods to reduce bycatch. 
Shark DNA Helps Catch Poachers
Sep 30 2009 - 1:14pm
Dr. Mahmood Shivji explains how shark DNA is used as evidence to prosecute shark fin poachers. More about sustainable seafood can be found in our Sustainable Seafood Section.
Jan 26 2010 - 11:46am
This photo of Kingman’s Reef in the Line Islands shows what a healthy coral reef should look like. The water is crystal clear. A variety of richly colored corals carpet the seabed. And a native predator, a red snapper, prowls for prey.
May 21 2010 - 12:42pm
View the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch National Guide.