Planet Earth is a closed system with limited resources—water, clean air and food are in high demand but limited supply. As a constantly developing world, the resources used must stretch to accommodate more and more people. At some point, the resources needed will run out. This is the current situation with global fishing. Over fishing is defined as “Fishing with a sufficiently high intensity to reduce the breeding stock levels to such an extent that they will no longer support a sufficient quantity of fish for sport or commercial harvest” (Parven, 2013). Overfishing is a global problem with many serious social, economic and environmental implications (Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2009). This paper will examine the global problem of overfishing and propose potential solutions to this issue, including perceived solutions to environmental problems as they relate to business activities.
Billions of people world-wide rely on fish and seafood everyday as a source of food and a means of income. The oceans are under pressure to meet the growing needs of developing countries and a growing demand for fresh fish and seafood in developed nations (Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2009). The world's fishing fleet is currently 2.5 times larger than what the oceans can sustainably support (Choose Wisely campaign, 2010). The world's wild capture fisheries have reached and arguably passed their maximum potential. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), 80% of the world's main fish stocks are fully exploited, overexploited, depleted or recovering from