Overfishing is a big problem in our world today. In (“You Can Help Stop Overfishing”) it states, “ Wild fish populations are declining. In 1974, 90 percent of the fish population was within biologically sustainable levels today, that figure has decreased to 66 percent.” This shows that the fish population is declining rapidly in devastating manners. In (“Sustainable solution”) it states, “Trawling drags huge nets through the ocean that scoop up every animal in its pathway resulting in massive wasteful bye catch-dead fish are returned to the sea because they weren't the target fish.” This shows that this is a big issue in our lakes and oceans.“ The World Wildlife Federation states: “Systemic overfishing is only made worse by illegal catches and trade. In fact, some of the worst ocean impacts are caused by pervasive illegal fishing, which is estimated at up to 30% of catch or more for high-value species. Experts estimate illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing nets criminals up to $36.4 billion annually.” This shows that our marine life is endangered so we need to help and adapt to changing oceans.

             
Our solution is to get legislators to make laws to enforce the limit to how many fish you can catch. “More no-catch zones must be established to allow fish populations and their ecosystems to recover and replenish themselves to ensure fish in future generations,” (“Sustainable solutions”). This shows that this is a sustainable way to keep fish stocks sustainable for many generations to come. “ The marine conservation institute wants to increase that number tenfold, and have ten percent of our oceans become marine protected areas by 2025. We would like to see 20 percent of the oceans protected to ensure healthy fish stocks in the future,” (sustainable solution). This shows that the government is trying to help save our lakes and oceans.      Imagine if by 2025 there was no risk of fish stocks dying out of our waters. 

        
Senator Stabenow, I know you love the family time at the lakes and oceans, so let's protect them by making new legislation, limiting how many fish you can catch at a time. You can save our lakes and oceans for future generations to come. 

Sincerely, Raegan Szczepaniak