Question

Which of the following is an environmental effect of bycatch? Group of answer choices Nontarget fish populations have declined. Juvenile fish are too small and slip through the nets, thereby ensuring the next generation of commercial fish. Cod populations have increased due to the removal of competitor species. Predators caught in the nets feed on the commercially important fish also caught, thereby reducing the total catch. Endangered species, such as sea turtles, are being marketed through the ITQ system.

Answer 1

Answer: Non target fish populations have declined.

Explanation: Bycatch is the fish or other marine animals that are caught unintentionally when specific fish and/or size is targeted. Bycatch are usually thrown back into the water though most may have died or badly injured. Bycatch can be a different species, a different sex or even a different size of the same targeted specie.

It is estimated that about 40% of all fish caught worldwide is bycatch and this greatly impacts ocean health and decimates populations of unintentional species caught.

Bycatch of marine sponges and coral may damage protected corals and negatively impact fish habitat.