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Conservation & Ethics 1 Min. Lesezeit

Sustainable Fishing

Overfishing impacts and responsible angling

## The Overfishing Problem

Over one-third of global fish stocks are overfished. When harvest exceeds reproduction, populations collapse — sometimes catastrophically. The Atlantic cod fishery collapse off Newfoundland in 1992 devastated fishing communities and the species has still not fully recovered.

## Selective Harvest

Practice selective harvest: keep what you will eat, release the rest. Targeting abundant species and releasing trophy-sized fish (which produce the most offspring) helps maintain healthy populations. Follow slot limits that protect the most productive fish.

## Gear Choices

Circle hooks dramatically reduce deep hooking and gut-hooking, improving catch-and-release survival from 50% to over 90%. Use barbless hooks when planning to release. Avoid lead tackle where possible — it poisons waterbirds and contaminates sediments.

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