For the first time, researchers at the University of Miami’s (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science have established conclusive evidence that overfishing is directly linked to an increase in human consumption.

The researchers used their length-based risk analysis (LBRA) approach to examine 30 years of population data for 15 coral reef fish species important to South Florida commercial and recreational fisheries.

Grouper, snapper, and grunt populations were determined to be below the 40% minimum spawning potential ratio, which is essential to maintain fish populations.

The spawning population of black grouper would increase by 40% if the present minimum catch size was raised from 24 inches (61 cm) to 44 inches (110 cm), resulting in a significant increase in the number of new juveniles. To achieve a position of balance where a sustainable catch is achievable, the population would need to recover in around ten years and 22 years.

Jerald Ault, professor of environmental science and policy at the UM Rosenstiel School, likened the situation to that of your bank account. If there are no fish in the water, you can’t earn interest. This means you need a huge number of large fish to capture as well as breed and renew the reef.

“Length-based risk analysis of management options for the southern Florida United States multispecies coral reef fish fishery,” published in the journal Fisheries Research, provides a blueprint for the effective balance of fishery production, or the number of fish taken from the sea, to reduce overfishing and protect these valuable fish populations now and in the future..