Fish around the world are shrinking

Smaller fish in a very, very big pond

Collage of a vintage fish illustration swimming up towards a weighing device with a hook that looks like a fishing hook.
Fish are getting smaller, and the change has a ripple effect
(Image credit: Illustration by Julia Wytrazek / Getty Images)

Fish are becoming smaller and we humans are most likely to blame. Climate change and overconsumption have drastically altered fish populations and could lead to food struggles in the future. Other species are also seeing changes due to climate change, which could lead to a shift in the aquatic ecosystem as it is currently known. Nonetheless, many marine ecosystems are actively adapting to the changing ocean and climate conditions, showing more resilience than expected. 

A whole lot of small fry

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Devika Rao, The Week US

 Devika Rao has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022, covering science, the environment, climate and business. She previously worked as a policy associate for a nonprofit organization advocating for environmental action from a business perspective.