| Summary: | Since the sixteenth century, the phrase “plenty of fish in the sea” has been a common saying for those looking for partners. Sadly, this saying is literally no longer true. Overfishing has driven numerous species to extinction, while climate change threatens the ocean ecosystem. Seventy percent of the fish population are fully exploited, over-exploited, or in crisis (FAO2016). While the volume of farmed seafood has increased, the industry will be challenged to meet the demand since much of the world’s population depends on this low-cost protein source. Globally, seafood is the most widely traded food item and essential to the economies of many countries. Marine and coastal biodiversity hotspots are under threat throughout the world, which will have a significant effect on the welfare of billions of people. Additionally, environmental impacts such as ocean acidification and warming, species-specific over-fishing, and by catch species destruction have a cascading effect up the marine food chain leading to inadequate food for larger carnivores. Marine and coastal ecosystems provide a wide range of services to humanity that are dependent upon biodiversity, such as production, regulation, cultural activities, option-use value, and overarching support services. As billions of people and marine animals depend on a functioning ocean ecosystem for their nutritional welfare, the stability of life on earth is threatened. Addressing the biodiversity of life below water and the sustainability of the seafood supply chain is crucial.
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