What effect does overfishing generally have on aquatic ecosystems?

Overfishing has significant impacts on aquatic ecosystems, the most notable being its ability to destabilize the food web. In a balanced ecosystem, each species plays a critical role in maintaining the health of the environment. When certain species are overfished, particularly apex predators or keystone species, it can lead to an imbalance. The removal of these species allows prey populations to surge, which can then deplete resources like plants and smaller fish. This disruption can lead to a chain reaction, affecting various levels of the food web and decreasing overall biodiversity.

For instance, when predatory fish are overfished, their prey (such as smaller fish and invertebrates) can proliferate unchecked, leading to overgrazing of primary producers. This can result in alterations to habitat structures, such as coral reefs or seagrass beds, further complicating the aquatic ecosystem's dynamics.

In contrast, other options address effects that do not align with the general consequences of overfishing. For example, overfishing does not enhance fish population diversity; it typically reduces it. Similarly, while overfishing can influence algal growth due to nutrient imbalances caused by changes in species composition, this is a more indirect impact compared to the destabilization of the