The Illegal Trade of Marine Wildlife: A Review of Consequences and Strategies to Combat the Trade

An enduring challenge in assessing the risk of extinction for marine animals lies in our need to consume them. Many nations, including the United States, invest substantial resources in supporting fishery businesses to locate, harvest, and market ocean wildlife, with comparatively small allocations for their protection. Despite the existence of numerous state, national, and international laws dictating how and when animals can be harvested, achieving sustainable catch levels remains elusive. Especially when adding in the constant battle against organized crime groups, combatting the marine wildlife trade almost seems impractical. This comment analyzes and argues for a more comprehensive approach to legal doctrine both nationally and internationally, suggesting alternative perspectives to protect marine biodiversity.