Taking Too Many Fish From the Sea

Overfished Species in the Gulf
Red Snapper
Red Drum
Nassau Grouper
Goliath Grouper
Red Grouper
Greater Amberjack

The process of taking more fish from the sea than the population is able to handle is called "overfishing." Heavy fishing pressure can disrupt predator/prey relationships, alter marine habitats, and impact the growth and mortality rates of both predator and prey species. If left unchecked, overfishing can deplete a fish population, leading to what scientists refer to as an "overfished" or depleted condition.

Besides biological and environmental impacts associated with overfishing, there are economic costs as well. As highly sought-after species like red snapper are depleted, fishermen must reduce catches and switch to other, less desirable species.

For a complete look at those species identified as "overfished," undergoing "overfishing," or at special risk of depletion, please visit the fisheries status and trends page.