Aggressive fishing across the globe has endangered the marine ecosystems and commercial species are in such decline that it is generally perceived as a crisis. As a result, the sea has effectively been strip-mined to feed people. Most of the major fisheries have collapsed with little expectation of recovery. Fish farming, sometimes seen as a good substitute for trawling, has inefficiencies similar to cattle production. Animal agriculture uses precious resources in other ways as well.
Erosion reduces soil nutrients and the water-holding capacity of the soil.
Soil compaction results in nutrients being swept away to pollute lakes, rivers, and streams. The raising and processing of livestock requires immense amounts of energy and petrochemicals. Fossil fuels are necessary to run machinery, pump water, and to supply fertilizers and pesticides needed for feed crops. But this is not compatible with modern mass-production of animal products. Livestock and processing plants also create a high demand for water.