Ecologically, bycatch can change the availability of prey, which affects marine ecosystems and the productivity of fisheries. It can negatively affect species such as dolphins, sea turtles, protected fish, and whales by harming animals, contributing to population declines, and impeding population recovery. Bycatch occurs when non-target species of marine life are captured in fishing nets or on hooks. Bycatch can include a range of different animals, from fish to seabirds and even whales. It causes serious physical harm and often death in marine life. Bycatch is a term used to refer to any species caught accidentally while fishing for other species. when marine life is unintentionally caught by fishing vessels, fish and other unwanted aquatic animals are then tossed back into the ocean. Many are either dead or dying when they are thrown back. You see even these smallest situations affect the biodiversity of our world immensely. Bycatch is a “small” problem caused by the irresponsibility of us humans.
Petition to stop bycatch: https://www.thepetitionsite.com/716/140/462/stop-bycatch-and-bottom-trawling/