The potential impact of climate change on fisheries and aquaculture in the Asian region

RAP PUBLICATION 2011/16

The potential impact of climate change on fisheries and aquaculture in the Asian region

by Gaya Thri Sriskanthan and Simon Funge-Smith

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
Bangkok 2011

ABSTRACT

Asia is currently home to 87 percent of all people involved globally in fisheries and aquaculture. The sector contributes significantly to the national gross domestic product of many countries in the region and plays a significant role in food security. Between 15 to 54 percent of the annual protein intake in the region comes from fisheries and aquaculture products. The effects of climate change, such as increasing ocean acidification, shifting food distributions and more frequent cyclones, may increase the negative impacts on capture fisheries already suffering from overexploitation, coastal degradation and pollution. The productivity and viability of aquaculture operations may also suffer negatively from higher sea water levels, flooding, increased competition for water resources and disease occurrence patters. The impacts are likely to be far from uniform and it is expected that the region will face very specific and locally variable challenges. This publication provides insight into the current state of knowledge about the impacts of climate change in Asia and examines the implications for the fisheries sector. A review of the significance of the findings for policy-makers in the region is provided as well as steps that can be taken to minimize the negative impacts and capitalize on potential opportunities.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Introduction
An overview of climate change
The impact of climate change on fisheries and
    aquaculture production systems
Potential direct impacts of climate change on the Asian region
Impact of projected changes on
    livelihoods and economies in Asia
Climate change adaptation and mitigation in
    the fisheries and aquaculture sectors
References

The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers, whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended by FAO in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned.

The views expressed in this information product are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of FAO.

ISBN 978-92-5-106980-6

All rights reserved. FAO encourages reproduction and dissemination of material in this information product. Non-commercial uses will be authorized free of charge upon request. Reproduction for resale or other commercial purposes, including educational purposes, may incur fees. Applications for permission to reproduce or disseminate FAO copyright materials, and all other queries concerning rights and licences, should be addressed to:

Chief
Publishing Policy and Support Branch
Office of Knowledge Exchange, Research and Extension - FAO
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Rome, Italy
or by e-mail to: [email protected]


For copies write to:	Simon Funge-Smith
	Senior Fishery Officer
	FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
	Maliwan Mansion, 39 Phra Atit Road
	Bangkok 10200, Thailand
	Tel: (+66) 2 697 4000
	Fax: (+66) 2 697 4445
	E-mail: [email protected]