The increased efficiency of fishing has led to
A no change in the biodiversity of the ocean.
B increased nutritional deficiencies in the human population.
C decreased yields from fishing.
D decreased need for agriculture.
E increased biodiversity of aquatic animals other than fish.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: C. Decreased yields from fishing.
Explanation (300 words):
The increased efficiency of fishing, due to advancements in technology such as sonar, larger nets, and more powerful boats, has ironically led to decreased yields over time. This seems counterintuitive at first — why would being better at catching fish result in catching fewer fish?
The reason lies in overfishing. As fishing methods became more effective, fish populations were exploited faster than they could naturally replenish. Initially, this resulted in higher catches, but as more fish were removed than could reproduce, populations declined. Eventually, this led to a collapse in many fish stocks, reducing the total catch despite the improved technology — hence, decreased yields.
For example, the collapse of the cod fishery in the North Atlantic in the early 1990s was a direct result of overfishing facilitated by efficient industrial fishing. This collapse had significant ecological and economic consequences and has taken decades to recover — if at all.
Let’s also briefly look at why the other options are incorrect:
- A. No change in biodiversity – Incorrect. Overfishing actually decreases biodiversity by selectively removing top predators or keystone species.
- B. Increased nutritional deficiencies – Not directly true. While some communities might experience reduced protein sources, it’s not a global nutritional deficiency issue.
- D. Decreased need for agriculture – Incorrect. Overfishing may actually increase dependence on agriculture as fish supplies dwindle.
- E. Increased biodiversity of aquatic animals other than fish – Incorrect. Overfishing generally harms marine biodiversity by disrupting food webs and ecosystems.
Therefore, while fishing has become more efficient, this has led to unsustainable exploitation, ultimately causing reduced catches — the very outcome it was meant to improve. This highlights the need for sustainable fishing practices to ensure long-term viability of marine resources.