ABSTRACT
Several broad ecological observations are immediately apparent with regard to the world fish harvest. Productivity of some ocean fish stocks is declining due to overfishing, while the fish resources of freshwater bodies are either sub-optimally managed. Marine fishery depletion results from the excessive exploitation of a small number of fish species. While fishery projects can increase the ability of nations to exploit the ocean's resources, components of such projects also must be included to preserve the spawning and breeding grounds of marine organisms. The blasting of coral reefs for harbor construction, agricultural lime, and cement production further degrades fisheries by eliminating the habitat of many valuable tropical species. Coastal lagoons and estuaries are among the world's most biologically productive natural ecosystems and provide vital breeding grounds for many marine fishery species. The growth in domestic, agricultural, and industrial wastes concomitant with urbanization often accelerates eutrophication of coastal logoons sometimes resulting in major losses of fish, crustaceans, and molluscs.
