Each new group thinks the resource is in great shape and can only remember back so far. Yet, there is a whole new group of fishermen on the scene today who claim there are plenty of grouper. The truth of the matter is that many of our fisheries are in poor shape and are considered to be in an overfished state by the National Marine Fisheries Service. The recent advances in technologies combined with an increased demand for fresh fish have led to declines in many fish stocks. Many species that were considered underutilized until recently are now in an overfished state.
Sharks are a classic example.
In the mid 1980s, sharks were considered an underutilized species. Fishermen were then encouraged to target sharks for a growing food and fin market. Today, many shark species are closed to all fishing as a result of overfishing. Not only are fish stocks in serious decline, those people who depend on a healthy, sustainable resource for their livelihoods are also falling on troubled times. In the not too distant past, commercial fishermen were as common a sight along Florida's coast as were the pelicans, seagulls, and herons.