What is one significant outcome of overfishing?

Overfishing leads to a significant reduction in marine biodiversity. When fish populations are harvested at unsustainable rates, it not only depletes specific fish stocks but also disrupts the balance of marine ecosystems. Many species are interdependent; the decline of one can lead to the decline of others, resulting in a loss of overall biodiversity. This habitat destruction and species extinction can also aggravate the effects of other environmental stresses on marine life, further diminishing the variety of organisms that contribute to a healthy ecosystem. The impact is felt not just in the fish population, but throughout the food web, affecting everything from algae to larger predator species, and altering the ecological dynamics of marine environments. This outcome highlights the importance of sustainable fishing practices to maintain healthy ecosystems.