A new study says we could see the end of seafood within 50 years, if we don't curb overfishing and ocean pollution. Whenever a species is lost, the authors of the study claim, the web of the ocean ecosystem unravels a bit faster, speeding its overall destruction. Critics of the study say it made some assumptions that won't hold up in the real world -- and even the study's authors say that it's not too late to stop the decline if we take action now. Join Ira and guests in this hour of Science Friday for a look at the future of fish, and the state of current research into marine ecosystems.

Plus, this week engineers unveiled their plans for a new, super-silent, energy-efficient airplane. The project was started in 2003 with an aim to reducing airplane noise so much that aircraft would be almost unnoticeable outside the perimeter of an airport's grounds. The researchers hope to turn their design into actual aircraft by 2030. We'll hear all about it. Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (2-3 Eastern). Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests:
James Hileman
One of the chief engineers for the Silent Aircraft Initiative (SAI)
Research engineer, Department of Aeronautical Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Boris Worm
Assistant Professor, Marine Conservation Biology
Dalhousie University
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Steve Murawski
Director of Scientific Programs and Chief Science Advisor, National Marine Fisheries Service
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Silver Spring, Maryland

Patrick Sullivan
Associate Professor, Department of Natural Resources
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York

Lee Crockett
Executive Director
Marine Fish Conservation Network
Washington, DC

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This segment produced by Karin Vergoth