"From Plenty to Paucity: The Devastating Effects of Overfishing on Our Oceans"

Overfishing is a local problem that occurs when fish are caught faster than they can reproduce, leading to a decline in fish populations and a potential collapse of the fishery. It threatens the livelihoods of fishers and the sustainability of fish stocks. This issue can be attributed to advancements in fishing technology, increased demand for seafood, and inadequate management and regulation of fishing practices. To achieve sustainable development, it is essential to implement sustainable fishing practices, including regulating the amount of fish that can be caught, implementing catch limits, and using fishing gear that is less damaging to the marine environment.

Overfishing can harm coral reefs, disrupt the food chain and negatively impact the ecosystem. Jamaica's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement outlines the country's commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Overfishing is an important factor that can impact Jamaica's ability to achieve its NDC goals as it affects the fishing industry and coastal communities that rely on fishing for food and income. This could result in increased poverty and social unrest, negatively impacting Jamaica's overall development.

A Systems Thinking approach is necessary to recognize the complex relationships between fishing practices, ecosystem health, and economic sustainability. Sustainable fishing practices, regulations, alternative livelihoods, and stakeholder engagement are needed to tackle overfishing effectively and achieve strong sustainability in the future.