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The problem has not arisen overnight. Historically, fishermen believed that the ocean could support unlimited fishing (Kurlansky 1998). As stocks began to collapse, however, international limits and regulations on fishing were implemented. Many nations, however, have cultural and economic ties to the fishing industry that impede the implementation of fishing regulations. Currently, the United Nations is working to control overfishing, enforce fishing regulations, and resolve international fishing disputes.(work in progress...)
Figure 1. Taken from See-the-Sea.org
For a perspective on the problem it is useful to look at both the past and present state of affairs in the ocean (coders: LINK TO PAST AND PRESENT PAGES?)
Works Cited
Kurlansky, M. (1998). Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World. Random House of Canada.