World's fish overexploited, under threat UN warns

Sam Henry, 26, hoists his net while fishing for sheep head on the sea wall at Northshore Park, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012 in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Tampa Bay Times, Dirk Shadd)

Updated: Tue Jan. 24 2012 04:18:34

The Associated Press

MANILA, Philippines — Rising wealth in Asia and fishing subsidies are among factors driving overexploitation of the world's fish resources, while fish habitat is being destroyed by pollution and climate change, UN marine experts said Tuesday.

Up to 32 per cent of the world's fish stocks are overexploited, depleted or recovering, they warned. Up to half of the world's mangrove forests and a fifth of coral reefs that are fish spawning grounds have been destroyed.

The UN Environment Programme says less-destructive ways of fishing that use more labour and less energy are needed to help restore the health of the world's oceans and coasts.

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