The primary challenge of sustaining fish populations in overfished areas is the imbalance between catch rates and the reproductive capacity of fish stocks. Overfishing leads to population declines, disrupting the marine ecosystem and affecting related species, including predators and prey. Managing fishing practices to ensure sustainable catches is essential to allow fish populations to recover. Challenges also include combating illegal fishing, habitat destruction, and climate change impacts, all of which exacerbate the difficulty of maintaining healthy fish stocks. Sustainable management practices are crucial for long-term fisheries viability.