What percentage of marine species are believed to be used for food globally?

The correct choice indicates that approximately 1% of marine species are believed to be used for food globally. This figure highlights the vast diversity of marine life, with only a small fraction being exploited for human consumption. The majority of marine species remain unutilized in the context of direct human food sources, illustrating the richness of ocean biodiversity that is often not tapped into for food purposes.

The context surrounding this statistic is significant. Despite the multitude of fish and other edible marine organisms, commercial fishing and aquaculture are primarily focused on a limited number of species that are in high demand. This pattern underscores the importance of preserving marine biodiversity, as many species play critical roles in healthy ecosystems even if they are not consumed by humans. This understanding also points to the potential for exploring sustainable practices to responsibly increase the variety of marine species cultivated for food without over-exploiting existing populations.