Overfishing, if left unchecked threatens to wreak havoc not only on marine ecosystems, but also on the humans that depend upon the ocean for their dinner, and their livelihood.
Since 1950, we have systematically worked our way down the food chain by fishing out all the top predators, one after the other. 
The ocean covers 71 percent of the earth’s surface, contains 50 percent of all life on earth, yet 95 percent of the underwater world remains unexplored . The ocean serves as a major food source and global economic source for millions .
Overfishing is becoming a serious problem that can’t be ignored for much longer. The UN estimates that 90% of the world’s fisheries are fully, to over-exploited, depleted or in a state of collapse . The overfishing numbers are scary, but what is even more scary is that they are said to be years behind the actual numbers as it is difficult to aggregate the data on a global scale. Overfishing if left unchecked can not only ruin whole ecosystems, but can also leave people without a food source, or an income.
Hong Kong handles at least 50% and perhaps as much as 80% of the world trade in shark fins 
It is estimated that 100 million sharks are killed annually to supply the ever-increasing demand for the key ingredient in shark fin soup. The global shark fin trade business is booming, but killing predators at the top of the marine food chain can create brutal side effects in ecosystems. Sharks are a key component in a balanced ecosystem because
they are often the only natural predators of large prey like marine mammals and turtles. When shark populations are depressed, their natural prey run wild and cause serious problems further down the food chain. One such example can be found in North Carolina, where blacktip sharks were in severe decline, allowing the cownose ray to soar in numbers. The swelling number of rays so thoroughly decimated the scallop population that it may not bounce back, permanently altering both the ecosystem and livelihood of local fisherman.
This month CharitySub is doing its part to end overfishing. We’re supporting charities that work to end overfishing through policy change, by reinventing the seafood industry, and creating programs that promote a healthy ocean and sustainable fisheries.
Together we can save the fish and our oceans!
Future of Fish helps build businesses to make them free-standing engines of change. With development of inventory tracing technology, they reduce the problems of overfishing and mislabeled fish, and are supporting businesses that drive positive values.
The Marine Fish Conservation Network (MFCN) is an alliance of recreational anglers, commercial fishermen and environmentalists. They connect fishermen to policy and law makers so they can create innovative solutions together.
Seaweb brings industry leaders together to find solutions around overfishing and sustainable seafood. They combine a unique collaborative approach with strategic communications and sound science to catalyze positive ocean change. Their efforts affect policy, research, and culture.