Overfishing
1. Scientific American: Conservationists Identify Marine Biodiversity Hotspots
http://www.sciam.com/news/021502/1.html
2. csmonitor.com: For underwater national parks
http://www.csmonitor.com/2002/0201/p11s05-coop.html
3. Pew Oceans Commission: Fishing and Aquaculture
http://www.pewoceans.org/inquiry/fishing/
4. Pew Oceans Commission: Marine Aquaculture in the United States
http://www.pewoceans.org/oceanfacts/2002/01/11/fact_22988.asp
5. NOAA Fisheries
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/index.html
6. Marine Protected Areas: Economic and Social Implications [.pdf]
http://www.environmentaldefense.org/pdf.cfm?ContentID=1535&FileName=MPAs%5Feco%5Fsocio%5Fimplic%2Epdf
7. National Fisheries Institute: Key Issues
http://www.nfi.org/issues/index.php
8. Seafood Lover's Guide [.pdf]
http://www.audubon.org/campaign/lo/seafood/cards.html
The marine fishing industry provides an important source of food and employment for many people. However, overfishing is continually becoming a problem, threatening some of the world's marine species and habitats.

The first (1) is a short article from Scientific American about some recent research that identifies ten biodiversity hotspots where conservation is becoming extremely important. An opinion piece from Christian Science Monitor (2) claims there is a need for no-take marine reserves to protect fish populations and fisheries. A page from the Pew Oceans Commission (3) gives some information about overfishing and other ecosystem impacts of fish harvesting. The Pew Oceans Commission also has this more in-depth report (4) on Environmental Impacts and Policy Options of US Aquaculture. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's fisheries Web site (5) offers a great deal of information on many aspects of fishing. A downloadable report (6) on the economic and social implications of marine protected areas offers a unique perspective on both the costs and benefits associated with them. The Fish & Seafood Trade Association of the National Fisheries Institute shares their perspective on key environmental issues through this (7) Web page. Lastly, the Audubon Society has provided various downloadable wallet cards (8) to help seafood lovers choose their purchases wisely. [AL]
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