What is a major consequence of overfishing on marine ecosystems?

Overfishing significantly impacts marine ecosystems, leading to population decline among various fish species. When fish populations are overexploited, their numbers can decrease sharply, disrupting the balance of the marine food web. Healthy aquatic ecosystems rely on a diverse array of species at different trophic levels, each playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological stability.

When certain fish species are removed from the environment, this can lead to an increase in the populations of their prey species, which may then overconsume their food resources, leading to further imbalances. Additionally, predators that rely on these fish for food may also decline, perpetuating a cycle of disruption that can alter entire ecosystems. Thus, the consequence of overfishing is not only a decline in the targeted fish populations but also widespread effects on other species and the overall health of marine environments, validating the statement regarding population decline and disruption of food webs.