Many scientists argue that worldwide fisheries are declining, yet the worldwide number of fish harvested continues to increase. What would best explain this discrepancy?

e. An increase in fishing technology and increased fishing effort are leading to an increase in catch despite the declining populations

Explanation:

a. The scientists are being overly cautious

b. Fisheries are collapsing only in the areas that the scientists are studying

c. More people are reporting the fish that they catch

d. Only apex predator populations are collapsing

e. An increase in fishing technology and increased fishing effort are leading to an increase in catch despite the declining populations

Fishery is defined as organized efforts by human to raise and or harvest fishes along with other aquatic organisms for consumption and other relevant uses.

For fishery to decline, it means organized efforts by humans to harvest fishes has reduced. Worldwide number of fish harvested continues to increase because the few organized efforts at harvesting fishes now adopt sophisticated means to carry out their activities leading to more efficient approach and hence, more harvested fishes.

From the options above, the correct option is e.