Understanding Overfishing

• Language
• 2-5 Grade

 Understanding Overfishing

Day 2 (Context) 

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson...

I will be able to:

1.  Understand how marine ecosystems work.

2. Recognize the impact of overfishing.

What do you already know about the impact of overfishing based on the video and vocabulary we learned?

00:26

How many major oceans are there?

1. 5
2. 7

01:06

Phytoplankton is a type of...

1. fish
2. algae (al-g)

02:04

Is coral a plant or an animal?

1. plant
2. animal

03:24

What is the biggest ocean in the world?

1. Atlantic Ocean
2. Pacific Ocean

Introduction to Overfishing

Overfishing is the catching of  too many fish that is beyond the ability of the species to reproduce (make babies).  

This is a problem because It disrupts the balance in marine ecosystems.

Why is overfishing a problem?

1. It's bad for the ecosystem in the ocean
2. It's creating more fish

What does reproduce mean again?

1. to make more of the same species
2. to never produce again

Name one species found in this ecosystem

1. crabs
2. seaweed
3. fish
4. all

Interdependence in Marine Ecosystems

Marine ecosystems are interconnected and species are interdependent. For example, phytoplankton are eaten by krill, which are then eaten by small fish, forming the base of the food chain.

What does "inter" mean in words?

1. between (two or more things)
2. a break or recess

Wait, so what is interdependent in the marine ecosystem?

1. krill and phytoplankton
2. tuna and sharks
3. A & B
4. None

Overfishing Impact on Species 

Overfishing can lead to the decline of certain fish species, disrupting the balance and biodiversity of the ecosystem.

What do you think would happen if we remove the Tuna here? Who dies? What do we have more of?  STEM: If we remove the tuna then _________________. 

Human Impact

The demand for seafood and fish has led to more fishing practices causing a fast decline in fish populations and disrupting marine ecosystems.

Case Study: Decline of Sharks

Overfishing of sharks has led to imbalances in the marine food web, impacting the populations of smaller fish and disturbing the ecosystem's equilibrium.

Consequences of Overfishing

Overfishing can lead to the collapse of fisheries, loss of livelihoods for fishing communities, and long-term damage to marine ecosystems.

Taking Action

Protecting marine ecosystems requires sustainable fishing practices, regulations, and conservation efforts to restore balance and safeguard the future of our oceans.

So what species are interdependent in a marine ecosystem? 

sun

phytoplankton

krill

shark

tuna

small fish

Write down one thing you learned from this lesson!

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.