overfished

Maxium sustainable yield (MSY)

Maximum sustainable yield (MSY) is a classic concept from fish population dynamics.  It operates under the assumption that populations have a carrying capacity, or equilibrium size, where the the resources available match the population requirements and if individuals are removed from the population, they will be replaced (i.e., are renewable).  When harvest removes a portion … [Read more…]

Overfishing, overfished

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The terms overfishing and overfished are confusing because they address a similar subject.  The difference between the two terms is subtle but significant. Overfishing refers to the current fishing rate which results in a higher harvest, or fishing mortality rate, than maximum sustainable yield (the maximum harvest level without negatively impacting the sustainability of the … [Read more…]