Habitat degradation impacts on marine fish

The ocean supports a wide range of economic activities, including the harvesting of food, shipping, seabed mining, offshore hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation, tourism, and recreation, among others, all of which have significantly contributed to habitat degradation of coastal and marine ecosystems. This has dramatically impacted ecosystem function and services provided by these habitats, with detrimental consequences for marine fish. Over 90% of fish species are impacted by at least one anthropogenic stressor operating indirectly via their habitat, and about 70% are impacted by two or more, chiefly among which are chemical pollutants, eutrophication, invasive species, noise, and physical habitat loss. Still, rebuilding marine life, including fish populations, could be realized if major pressures are mitigated.