Infographic: How does overfishing threaten coral reefs?

Overfishing can deplete key reef species and damage coral habitat.

Overfishing: Threat to coral reef infographic.

Overfishing: Threat to coral reef infographic. (Image credit: NOAA)

Coral reef ecosystems support important commercial, recreational, and subsistence fishery resources in the U.S and its territories. Fishing also plays a central social and cultural role in many island and coastal communities, where it is often a critical source of food and income. The impacts from unsustainable fishing on coral reef areas, however, can lead to the depletion of key reef species in many locations. This infographic details the many hazards of overfishing and how you can help.