“From Abundance to Emptiness: An Analysis of the Impacts of Overfishing on
Ecosystems and Communities”
Topic / Introduction
Good morning everyone! Have you ever imagined an ocean without fish? That is the
danger of overfishing. It happens when people catch too many fish, and the sea has no time
to recover. This problem harms marine life and threatens the livelihood of fishermen.”
Key Data on Overfishing :
● Thirty-five point five percent of global fish stocks are already overfished (FAO, 2024).
●Migratory freshwater fish populations have declined by eighty-one percent since nineteen
seventy.
●Some species of sharks and rays have lost up to ninety-eight percent of their populations.
●The phenomenon of “fishing down the food web” occurs as large predators disappear,
forcing fishermen to target smaller fish.
●In Senegal, fifty-seven percent of fish stocks have collapsed due to overfishing.
Body (Problem Statement)
The main problem of overfishing is the lack of control in fishing activities. Many
fishermen use destructive methods, such as blast fishing or trawling, and some catch fish
without considering the breeding season. As a result, fish stocks decline much faster than
their ability to recover, ultimately threatening the sustainability of marine ecosystems as well
as the fishermen’s own economic source.
If this condition continues, not only will fish populations disappear, but the balance
of the marine food chain will also be disrupted, and it could even lead to conflicts among
fishermen over limited resources.
This has been proven in the Arafura Sea, south of Papua and Maluku. In 2017, data
from the RPOA-IUU recorded that this area had already been categorized as fully exploited,
and a 2020 report from The Nature Conservancy (TNC) confirmed that overfishing has
reduced traditional fishermen’s catches while also threatening the marine ecosystem.
Solution / Recommendation
To solve this problem, we need strong action. The government must regulate fishing
with catch limits and marine protected areas. Fishermen and communities should also learn
about sustainable fishing to protect their future. At the same time, aquaculture or fish
farming can help reduce pressure on wild fish stocks. By working together through policy,
awareness, and innovation, we can fight overfishing and keep our oceans healthy.
Conclusion (Closing)
In conclusion, overfishing is a serious threat to marine ecosystems, the sustainability
of natural resources, and the welfare of coastal communities. However, this challenge is not
without solutions. By enforcing strong regulations, raising community awareness, and
promoting innovations such as aquaculture, we can reduce the negative impacts of
overfishing. “As the proverb says, ‘We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we
borrow it from our children.’ Let us protect the ocean today, so the next generations can still
enjoy its wonders. Thats all Thank for you attention. Respect and any questions?
Jika pertanyaannya mudah / singkat :
● Thank you for your question. That’s a very good point. In my opinion…”
● That’s an interesting question, thank you. I think…”
Jika pertanyaannya cukup sulit / mendalam:
● That’s a very thoughtful question. From my perspective…”
● I appreciate your question, and here’s how I see it…”
Jika kamu ingin menutup jawaban dengan sopan:
● I hope that answers your question.”
● That’s my perspective, thank you.”
Jika minta ulang :
● Can be repeated…”
Illegal fishing practice (Topic 1)
❓ “Why do you think illegal fishing is still happening in many areas?”
❓ “What are the root causes that make illegal fishing so difficult to eliminate?” (HOTS)
Dangers of overfishing (Topic 2)
❓ “What is the biggest danger of overfishing to our ocean?”
❓ “In what ways does overfishing disrupt the long-term balance of marine ecosystems?”
(HOTS)
Interesting fact in Kalimantan (Topic 3)
❓ “What interesting fact about Kalimantan do you know?”
❓ “What lessons can we learn from Kalimantan’s environmental challenges in managing
natural resources sustainably?” (HOTS)
