"One fifth of human kind depend on fish to live. Today now 70 percent of the fish stock are over-exploited. According to FAO if we don't change our system of fishing the main sea resources will be gone in 2050. We don't want to believe what we know"

Yann Arthus-Bertrand draws attention to the critical relationship between humanity and the ocean, highlighting the reliance of billions of people on fish for sustenance and survival. With one fifth of the global population depending on fish, the stakes could not be higher. Fish are not only a primary source of protein for many nations but also a cornerstone of economic activity, particularly for developing coastal communities. The statement that 70 percent of fish stocks are currently over-exploited is a stark reminder that human activity is putting immense pressure on natural resources.

The warning by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that the primary sea resources could vanish by 2050 if current fishing methods persist is alarming. Overfishing is driven by industrial-scale extraction, illegal practices, and inadequate regulation. The issue is compounded by bycatch, habitat destruction from invasive fishing technology, and climate change, all of which exacerbate the depletion of fish populations. The loss of these resources would have profound effects , not only on global food security but on ecosystems and economies interconnected with the sea.

Arthus-Bertrand’s final observation, “We don’t want to believe what we know,” points to the broader human tendency toward denial and inaction when faced with uncomfortable truths. Despite scientific consensus and mounting evidence, there remains societal resistance to changing consumption patterns, enforcing stricter regulations, or transitioning towards sustainable fishing. Factors such as political inertia, economic interests, and sheer habit continue to obstruct meaningful reform. This cognitive dissonance threatens long-term survival for those who most depend on the oceans. The quote serves as both a warning and a call to acknowledge reality and act, emphasizing the urgent need for global cooperation, innovation in sustainable fisheries, and a collective willingness to confront the consequences of current behavior before vital resources are irreversibly lost.