The oceans are thriving with increased productivity, but their potential depletion, albeit extinction, is causing a possible “tragedy of the commons,” of hook, line and sinker. From thriving oceans to potentially empty oceans; The environmental and human impact on our oceans remains considerable, with more than half of the world's fish populations exploited, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Additionally, according to scientists in a 2006 scientific journal, the expected depletion of our ocean species predicts the total collapse of all ocean species by 2048 (Withgott and Laposata, 2012). Ocean productivity may have recovery potential by allocating no-fishing zones and marine reserves. The ability to turn the tides towards rebuilding our oceans should also combine monitoring and protecting their productivity by encouraging ocean reef systems and reducing overfishing. However, according to Jane Lubchenco, author of the article “Marine Reserves Restore Ecosystems”; Marine reserves are protected ocean areas that are created to protect against destructive activities. Their goal is to protect species and their habitats, which includes a combination of conservation and fisheries benefits (Withgott, Laposata & Lubchenco, 2008). Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to fisheries management, in combination with pollution control solutions, which could become available to resolve the loss of ocean productivity. Additionally, traditional fisheries management and marine reserves do not thwart the productivity needed to restore the ocean ecosystem. However, unlike Lubchenco, Michael Leech, in the article “No-fishing zones do not prevent overfishing”; his reasoning is: ... middle of paper ...... increasing productivity of oceans and waterways. Subsequently, implementing stronger conservation laws, as well as policies for additional diversity through interventions and education that can help facilitate and rejuvenate thriving ocean productivity within a tragically depleted commons ; cast, hook, line and sinker, and the reeling in of replenished and restored resources, as well as the return of ocean species, renewed and thriving in abundance. Works Cited Withgott, J. and Laposata, M. (2012). Essential Environment: The Science Behind the Stories (Fourth ed., pp. 254-273). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Withgott, J., Brennan, S., Manning, K., & Withgott, J. (2008). Perspectives for Accompanying the Environment: The Science Behind the Stories, Third Edition (pp. 36-37). Relevance San Francisco: Pearson Benjamin Cummings.