These are the startling conclusions from a TED talk given by Professor Jeremy Jackson of the Scripps Ocean Institute. Professor Jackson is often known as Dr Doom because of his thoughts on the state of the ocean.

Our overfishing of the seas has lead to a breakdown in fragile eco-systems that can no longer sustain themselves. Of course, the over-fishing in the name of economic benefits for the fishing industry is putting that industry at risk. Our fisheries from the banks of Atlantic Canada to the Mediterranean basin are all at risk.

A consequence of a lack of fish and the overuse of nitrogen fertilizer is that there is too much plankton in the sea to be consumed by the remaining fish and shellfish. The excess plankton then dies of old age and falls to the sea bed where is attracts bacteria. These bacteria then make the waters toxic for other sea life and humans. Hence there is a vicious circle taking root once fish are reduced in an eco-system.

This is all very frightening, but Jeremy Jackson believes that if we act now, strongly and with courage, the seas can still be saved. Although strong action by governments and supra-national organizations is required, you can act yourself by reducing your consumption of fish and fish based products.

Professor Jackson’s full talk is available on TED:

For more insight into this topic, see these articles:

	Climate change case stronger than ever
	Did you like bluefin sushi?
	Saving our Oceans