B2nounenvironmentnature
US/ˌoʊ.vərˈfɪʃ.ɪŋ/
UK/ˌəʊ.vəˈfɪʃ.ɪŋ/
the act of catching so many fish that there are not enough left to breed
In context
Overfishing has reduced the number of cod in the North Atlantic.
Many scientists believe overfishing is the main threat to the oceans.
Stricter quotas could help prevent overfishing in the region.
Words that go with overfishing
noun + preposition
- because of overfishingCod nearly disappeared because of overfishing.
- threat of overfishingThe threat of overfishing is growing.
- overfishing of tunaOverfishing of tuna has alarmed experts.
verb + noun
- prevent overfishingQuotas are meant to prevent overfishing.
- stop overfishingGovernments must stop overfishing now.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
an overfishingCorrect: overfishing