If the fish population decreases due to overfishing in the area, what is the most direct effect this will have on the aquatic ecosystem?

Question

If the fish population decreases due to overfishing in the area, what is the most direct effect this will have on the aquatic ecosystem?

The zooplankton population will increase in size.

The leopard seals will all die from lack of food.

The phytoplankton population will increase in size.

The krill population will only be consumed by seagulls.

Answer 1

The most direct effect this will have on the aquatic ecosystem is that the phytoplankton population will increase in size. This is because with fewer fish to consume them, phytoplankton will not be grazed upon as heavily, leading to their population growth. This can have a ripple effect on the entire ecosystem as phytoplankton are a vital part of the food chain in aquatic environments.