Destructive fishing methods are the main drivers not only of over-exploitation but also of long-term damage to marine ecosystems. These methods, such as trawling and the use of explosives, which are forbidden in several coastal states, are known to devastate marine ecosystems beyond their natural recovery point. It is very important to note that these methods are a flashpoint in terms of social conflict between local artisanal fishing communities and industrial fishing.

One example is the use of banned or harmful equipment such as seine nets or destructive processes like bottom trawling to harvest as many wild species as possible. Ornamental fish and clam poachers destroy environments to immediately access marine species. For example, giant clam poachers loosen the clams from reefs using boat propellers. In the process, they destroy the reefs, seriously degrading or destroying the entire local ecosystem.

Other illegal fishing methods, such as using dynamite or cyanide to harvest corals and fish, have similar impacts.