EFFECTS OF IUU AND OTHER ILLEGAL FISHING ACTIVITIES ON AQUATIC BIODIVERSITY: THE REVIEW
Aquatic ecosystems play a vital role in maintaining the balance of our planet, providing us with food, oxygen, and supporting a rich biodiversity of life. However, these ecosystems are facing a significant threat, especially the aquatic ecosystems from illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) and other illegal fishing activities. This review will explore the devastating effects of these practices on aquatic biodiversity, highlighting the urgency for stronger regulations and enforcement measures. Our oceans and waterways harbor a vast and diverse array of marine life, playing a crucial role in the health of our planet. However, this delicate ecosystem faces numerous threats, with illegal fishing activities posing a significant and growing danger. IUU fishing and other illegal practices undermine legitimate fishing operations, deplete fish stocks, and contribute to the destruction of critical marine habitats. Understanding the damaging impacts of these activities is essential to developing effective conservation strategies and securing the long-term sustainability of aquatic biodiversity as stated by the Brundtland Commission on sustainable development 1987. Aquatic biodiversity is essential for maintaining healthy and functioning ecosystems. It provides food and resources for millions of people, supports tourism and recreation industries, and plays a crucial role in regulating climate and water quality. However, aquatic biodiversity is facing numerous threats, including pollution, habitat loss, and overfishing. Among the most significant threats are IUU and other illegal fishing activities. IUU and other illegal fishing activities pose a major threat to the health of our oceans and the future of aquatic biodiversity; by recognizing the devastating impacts of these practices and taking decisive action, we can protect our aquatic ecosystems and ensure the continued availability of vital resources for generations to come. This requires a collective effort from governments, industries, consumers, fishers education and conservation organizations to work together towards a sustainable future for our oceans.
KEYWORDS: Illegal Fishing, Aquatic Biodiversity, Overfishing, Biomagnification, Fisheries Management and Conservation, Climate Change