Surprising Science — December 21, 2010

How Many Fish in the Sea?

The extent to which massive growth in commercial fishing is depleting the sea’s biodiversity has become source of a heated debate within the world of marine fisheries science.

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Amid claims that current commercial ocean fishing practices are unsustainable because there are no more places left to fish, global demand for seafood nevertheless remains high and the harvesting of wild fish from the oceans is a huge business. There is no argument the industry’s massive growth has vastly affected ocean ecosystems, but the extent to which this disruption has depleted and continues to deplete the sea’s biodiversity has become source of a heated debate within the world of marine fisheries science. What is the best way to measure the ecological footprint of commercial fishing?

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Illustration depicting "Humanity vs. Nature" with diagrams of evolution, ecocentrism, biocentrism, and anthropocentrism, featuring images of a tree, human evolution, and a whale.

The Past

Why harmony with nature is a myth

Slowing growth and limiting development isn’t living in harmony with nature—it is surrendering in a battle.

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The Present

The algorithmic ocean: How AI Is revolutionizing marine conservation

Driven by a childhood marked by war and environmental devastation, Dyhia Belhabib developed an innovative technology to combat illegal fishing.

Strange Maps

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Thinking

Everyday Philosophy: Can you have a “calling” without a caller?

If you’re an atheist with a vocation, who laid that path for you?

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