Overfishing happens when fish are harvested at a rate faster than their populations can replenish themselves through reproduction. This can lead to several negative consequences:
* Decreased fish populations: The most obvious consequence is a decline in the number of fish in a particular species or area.
* Ecosystem disruption: Overfishing can impact the entire marine ecosystem. Removing large predators, for example, can lead to population explosions of smaller fish, disrupting the food chain.
* Economic impacts: Overfishing can negatively affect fishing industries, causing job losses and reduced income.
* Loss of biodiversity: Overfishing can contribute to the extinction of fish species and reduce the overall diversity of marine life.
It's important to note that "mean" in this context doesn't refer to a mathematical average. It's used to describe a negative action, implying that overfishing is a harmful and unsustainable practice.