IELTS Academic Reading Marine Life and Fisheries

Welcome to this comprehensive IELTS Reading practice test focused on marine life and fisheries!

Test Format:

• Academic Reading: Features complex texts from academic sources, journals, and scholarly publications
• Time Limit: 60 minutes for the full test (20 minutes recommended for this single passage)
• Question Types: Various formats including multiple choice, True/False/Not Given, sentence completion, and more

This practice test contains one academic passage with 9 questions that mirror the actual IELTS examination. The questions are arranged in sequential order, following the flow of information in the text.

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Academic Reading Passage

The Future of Global Fisheries

Paragraph A The world’s oceans, covering over 70% of our planet’s surface, have sustained human civilizations for millennia through their abundant marine resources. However, contemporary global fisheries face unprecedented challenges that threaten both ecological stability and food security for billions of people. Scientific research indicates that approximately 34% of global fish stocks are currently exploited beyond sustainable limits, while climate change continues to alter marine ecosystems at an alarming rate. The intersection of overfishing, environmental degradation, and rising global demand presents a complex web of issues that require immediate and coordinated international action.

Paragraph B Traditional fishing methods, once perfectly aligned with natural population cycles, have been largely replaced by industrial-scale operations equipped with advanced sonar technology, massive nets, and factory ships capable of processing thousands of tons of catch daily. These technological advances have dramatically increased fishing efficiency but have simultaneously contributed to the depletion of numerous fish species. Bluefin tuna populations, for instance, have declined by over 80% since the 1970s due to intensive harvesting practices. The shift from selective, small-scale fishing to indiscriminate mass extraction has disrupted marine food webs and eliminated many spawning grounds essential for species reproduction.

Paragraph C Ocean temperatures have risen by an average of 1.1 degrees Celsius over the past century, causing significant shifts in fish distribution patterns. Many commercially valuable species, including cod, herring, and mackerel, are migrating toward polar regions in search of cooler waters. This geographical redistribution creates substantial challenges for fishing communities that have depended on specific species for generations. Coastal nations must now negotiate new fishing agreements as traditional boundaries become meaningless when fish populations relocate across international waters. Furthermore, ocean acidification, caused by increased carbon dioxide absorption, is degrading coral reefs and shellfish habitats at unprecedented rates.

Paragraph D Aquaculture, often referred to as fish farming, has emerged as a potential solution to declining wild fish stocks. Currently accounting for approximately 52% of global fish consumption, aquaculture production has grown exponentially over the past three decades. Countries like Norway, Chile, and China have invested heavily in sustainable farming techniques, developing enclosed systems that minimize environmental impact while maximizing yield. Modern aquaculture facilities utilize recirculating water systems, automated feeding mechanisms, and genetic selection programs to produce healthy fish with reduced resource consumption. However, concerns persist regarding the use of wild-caught fish as feed, antibiotic usage, and the potential for farmed fish to escape and interbreed with wild populations.

Paragraph E International cooperation has become crucial for effective fisheries management, as marine ecosystems transcend national boundaries. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea provides a legal framework for sustainable fishing practices, while regional organizations coordinate conservation efforts across multiple jurisdictions. Successful conservation programs, such as the recovery of North Atlantic bluefin tuna populations through strict quota systems, demonstrate that coordinated international action can reverse declining trends. However, illegal fishing activities continue to undermine conservation efforts, with an estimated 26 million tons of fish caught illegally each year, representing nearly 15% of total global catches.

Paragraph F Looking toward the future, innovative technologies offer promising solutions for sustainable fisheries management. Satellite monitoring systems now track fishing vessels in real-time, enabling authorities to enforce regulations more effectively. Artificial intelligence algorithms analyze vast datasets to predict fish population trends and optimize sustainable catch limits. Additionally, blockchain technology is being implemented to create transparent supply chains that help consumers identify sustainably sourced seafood. These technological innovations, combined with growing consumer awareness and demand for environmentally responsible products, are driving positive changes throughout the industry.

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Questions 1-9

Read the passage about global fisheries and answer the following questions. Write your answers in the spaces provided.

Questions 1-3: Sentence Completion Complete the sentences below using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the passage.

1. Research shows that _____________ of worldwide fish populations are being harvested at unsustainable levels.
2. Industrial fishing vessels use _____________ to locate fish more effectively than traditional methods.
3. Bluefin tuna numbers have decreased by more than _____________ since the 1970s.

Questions 4-6: True/False/Not Given Write TRUE if the statement agrees with the information, FALSE if the statement contradicts the information, or NOT GIVEN if there is no information about this in the passage.

4. Small-scale traditional fishing methods were more environmentally sustainable than modern industrial techniques.
5. Ocean acidification primarily affects deep-sea fish species rather than coral reef ecosystems.
6. Norway has completely eliminated the use of wild fish as feed in their aquaculture operations.

Questions 7-9: Multiple Choice Choose the correct letter A, B, C, or D.

7. According to the passage, fish migration toward polar regions is primarily caused by: A) Overfishing in traditional fishing grounds B) Changes in ocean temperature C) International fishing regulations D) Improved fishing technology in northern waters
8. The passage suggests that illegal fishing activities: A) Have decreased significantly due to international cooperation B) Represent a minor threat to global fish populations C) Account for approximately 15% of total worldwide catches D) Are effectively controlled by satellite monitoring systems
9. Which of the following best describes the author’s view of aquaculture’s future potential? A) It will completely replace wild fishing within the next decade B) It offers promise but still faces significant environmental challenges C) It is unsuitable for meeting global food security needs D) It should be abandoned in favor of traditional fishing methods

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For more IELTS Reading practice, you can also visit Architecture Topic.