For decades, industrial fishing has played a central role in feeding the world. But now, scientists are warning that this practice is extracting more than just seafood from our oceans—it’s removing key nutrients that support entire marine ecosystems.

A growing body of research reveals that fishing not only alters fish populations but disrupts the natural flow of essential elements like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. These chemical building blocks are critical for everything from plankton growth to coral health and predator survival. And once they’re gone, they're not easily replaced.

The findings come from an international study led by Adrian Gonzalez Ortiz during his master’s research at Utah State University. Collaborating with experts from the Sea Around Us initiative and several academic institutions, the team analyzed how commonly fished species serve as nutrient reservoirs—and what happens when those species vanish from the seas.

The Hidden Cost: Nutrient Removal on a Global Scale

By focusing on global fishing landings across hundreds of coastal and open-ocean regions, the researchers discovered a concerning pattern: as industrial fleets target certain species, they simultaneously extract large quantities of stored nutrients.

The removal isn’t minor. Estimates suggest that over 400 million tons of carbon alone have been extracted through commercial fishing over the past several decades. Even smaller nutrient losses can cause ripple effects, as fish play key roles in nutrient cycling and distribution throughout the ocean.

“Fish and other marine organisms contain specific nutrients in their bodies,” explained Gonzalez Ortiz. “Capturing species that hold a lot of these elements may lower the supply that keeps ecosystems resilient.”

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Mid-Sized Fish Play an Outsized Role

One group stood out in the analysis: mesopredators, or mid-sized fish. Often overlooked in the public conversation, these species sit in the middle of the food chain, acting as both prey and predator. They're nutrient-rich and critical for moving elements through the marine web.

“These fish store higher proportions of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, compared to other trophic groups,” said Dr. Trisha B. Atwood, associate professor at Utah State University. “When we remove them, we’re weakening not just food webs—but also the nutrient backbone of the ocean.”

Regional Trends Show Deep Imbalances

Coastal regions in Southeast Asia showed some of the most significant nutrient extractions, with long-term fishing pressure eroding the chemical balance of nearshore waters. In some regions, fishing has declined due to depleted stocks—but that just pushed fleets into new territories, creating a cycle of extraction that repeats itself elsewhere.

Some open-sea regions have also seen steady nutrient loss. These losses may not be visible, but they show up in subtle ways—sluggish plankton blooms, diminished predator populations, or failing coral reefs.

Fishing Affects More Than Just Food Supply

The idea that fishing influences ocean productivity isn’t new—but the nutrient angle adds urgency. Removing fish disrupts phosphorus and nitrogen cycling, altering the chemistry of shallow waters and coral systems.

“This not only negatively impacts the ecosystem but also fisheries,” Dr. Atwood added. “Fish often bring vital substances to shallower waters, and taking them out removes those chemical supplies.”

Seeking Solutions Before the Chain Breaks

The study authors argue that more sustainable fishing will require science-based reforms. Stricter catch limits, seasonal bans, or protection zones could allow key species to recover—and, with them, the flow of nutrients across marine systems.

Some governments are already rethinking how they measure fishing success. Instead of just focusing on tonnage, researchers advocate for tracking nutrient composition and the ecological roles of targeted species.

Dr. Maria “Deng” Palomares from Sea Around Us emphasized that these chemical perspectives may be the missing piece in marine conservation. “Such a decrease in catches resulted in fisheries expanding to other ocean areas,” she noted, showing how unchecked demand can push ecological tipping points globally.

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