Cochrane, K.; De Young, C.; Soto, D.; Bahri, T. (eds).
Climate change implications for fisheries and aquaculture: overview of current
scientific knowledge.
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Paper. No. 530. Rome, FAO. 2009. 212p.
Abstract
An overview of the current scientific knowledge available on climate change implications
for fisheries and aquaculture is provided through three technical papers that were
presented and discussed during the Expert Workshop on Climate Change Implications
for Fisheries and Aquaculture (Rome, 7–9 April 2008). A summary of the workshop
outcomes as well as key messages on impacts of climate change on aquatic ecosystems
and on fisheries- and aquaculture-based livelihoods are provided in the introduction of
this Technical Paper.
The first paper reviews the physical and ecological impacts of climate change
relevant to marine and inland capture fisheries and aquaculture. The paper begins with
a review of the physical impacts of climate change on marine and freshwater systems
and then connects these changes with observed effects on fish production processes.
It also outlines a series of scenarios of climate change impacts on fish production and
ecosystems through case studies in different regions and ecosystems.
The second paper tackles the consequences of climate change impacts on fisheries and
their dependent communities. It analyses the exposure, sensitivity and vulnerability of
fisheries to climate change and presents examples of adaptive mechanisms currently used
in the sector. The contribution of fisheries to greenhouse gas emissions is addressed and
examples of mitigation strategies are given. The role of public policy and institutions in
promoting climate change adaptation and mitigation is also explored.
Finally, the third paper addresses the impacts of climate change on aquaculture.
It provides an overview of the current food fish and aquaculture production and a
synthesis of existing studies on climate change effects on aquaculture and fisheries. The
paper focuses on the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on aquaculture, in
terms of biodiversity, fish disease and fishmeal. Contribution of aquaculture to climate
change is addressed (carbon emission and carbon sequestration), as well as possible
adaptation and mitigation measures that could be implemented.
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