What if fish became extinct? The catastrophic consequences of the fish extinction scenario

2024-01-17 2024-01-17T10:19:31Z

Arabia Weather - The huge oceans and seas constitute an important part of the surface of our planet, and in addition to their enormous size, they are full of life in all its diversity. These include plant and microbial diversity, worms, corals and crabs, as well as whales, squid and fish.

Fish are considered a major component of the oceans and seas, as a study published on the “Science Alert” website indicates that they constitute the second largest amount of carbon, which represents the basic element for living organisms in the animal kingdom.

Although most people interact with the ocean at beaches or on boats, the abundance of fish extends from its surface to its depths, and these fish play an essential role in the marine environment, as they contribute to supporting the life of other organisms that coexist with them, and if these fish disappear, The ocean will appear completely different, and its environmental balance will be greatly affected.

The role of fish as a food source

Fish play a vital role as predators and prey in marine ecosystems. Many marine organisms and terrestrial ecosystems depend on fish as a food source, and this includes humans.

In coral reef environments, small fish form the base of the food web, where they are eaten by larger fish and other marine organisms. Outside of water, fish are a major source of protein for many birds, mammals, and reptiles.

Humans also depend on fish as a primary food source, as fish and seafood products are an important source of protein for about 3 billion people, as the history of fish consumption by humans extends throughout the ages, as it was and still constitutes an indispensable part of the diet of humans around the world.

Marine environment protection

Fish actively protect their environment, representing more than just a source of food. When fish forage for food, biotic conditions are created for other organisms, and ecological balance is maintained. In coral reef ecosystems, plant-feeding fish play a crucial role in regulating algal growth through continuous grazing processes.

Without the contribution of these herbivorous fish, algae growth will accelerate uncontrollably and pose a threat to coral reefs, eventually leading to their deterioration and death. Among these fish, the parrot fish is an example, as it feeds directly on coral reefs, and although this may Seemingly harmless at first, caring for parrotfish can actually boost the growth rate of a coral colony, and contribute to maintaining a sustainable marine environment.

What if fish became extinct?

Without fish, the Earth would gradually see its beautiful white sand beaches diminish, coral reef ecosystems would be affected by worsening algae growth, and many would have difficulty finding food sources, resulting in the loss of some of the most magnificent creatures on the face of the planet.