What is bottom trawling primarily associated with?

Bottom trawling is primarily associated with decreasing biodiversity due to its destructive fishing practices. This method involves dragging large nets along the seafloor to catch various species of fish and other marine organisms. The sweeping action of the nets can cause significant damage to the seabed habitat, leading to the disruption of life cycles and ecosystems that many marine species depend on.

When bottom trawling occurs, it often results in the unintended capture of non-target species, known as bycatch, which can include not only fish but also crustaceans, mollusks, and other marine life. This overfishing can drastically reduce the populations of various species, contributing to a decline in overall biodiversity in the area where the trawling takes place. As habitats become degraded and species are removed from the ecosystem, the complex interdependencies that maintain ecological balance are thrown off, leading to further declines in species and biodiversity.

While other options refer to fishing techniques or practices that may have specific goals, they do not capture the broader environmental impact that bottom trawling has on marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Therefore, identifying bottom trawling's primary association with decreasing biodiversity highlights the significant ecological consequences of this fishing method.