Final answer:
A fish population is more sustainable when they reproduce at a younger age, by-catch is reduced, and habitat damage is minimal. Sustainable fishing and fishery management are vital to prevent the collapse of populations and ensure resource availability for future generations.
Step-by-step explanation:
A fish population is considered more sustainable if D. All of the above apply: they reproduce at a younger age, there is less by-catch when catching them, and habitat damage is minimal. Fish that reproduce at a younger age can sustain their populations more easily. By-catch reduction is crucial because it prevents the unintentional capture and mortality of non-target species, which can help maintain a balanced ecosystem. Minimizing habitat damage ensures that the ecosystem can support diverse marine life and helps maintain the natural processes that fish populations rely on.
Sustainable fishing practices are critical for the conservation of fish populations and the preservation of marine ecosystems. Excessive or irresponsible fishing can lead to the collapse of fish populations, as demonstrated by historical overfishing events like the downfall of the cod population. Fishery management is necessary to prevent fishery extinctions and direct over-exploited species to recovery, helping to ensure that both current and future generations have access to these resources.