What is a major consequence of overfishing on ocean ecosystems?

Overfishing significantly impacts ocean ecosystems, and one of the major consequences is the loss of predator species. When top predators—such as sharks, tuna, and large fish—are overfished, the balance of the marine food web is disrupted. These predators play a crucial role in maintaining the health of various marine populations by controlling the abundance of prey species, which in turn affects the entire ecosystem.

The depletion of predator species can lead to a phenomenon known as "trophic cascading," where the removal of top-level predators allows prey populations to grow unchecked, potentially resulting in overgrazing of essential habitats like coral reefs and seagrasses. This imbalance not only threatens the biodiversity of the marine environment but can also lead to the decline of fish species that are essential for commercial and recreational fishing. The loss of these apex predators can ultimately destabilize the ecosystem, affecting its resilience and ability to recover from environmental changes.

In contrast, options such as increased fish population or improved water quality do not align with the scientific consequences of overfishing. Similarly, enhanced biodiversity would contradict the loss of predator species, as the over-exploitation of key species generally leads to a decline in overall ecosystem health and diversity. Hence, the choice highlighting the loss of predator species