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Future climate change and regional fisheries: a collaborative analysis

Year of publication 2003

Pages 75

Author Gary D. Sharp;Fishery and Aquaculture Economics and Policy Division

Product type Book (series)

ISBN 9251050163

Series title FAO Fisheries Technical Paper

Series number 0429-9345 - T452

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) First, issues of Global Change versus Global Warming are discussed. The larger perspective is presented of earth as a warm, wet planet, that experiences frequent cold periods via climate history graphics of Earth’s recent million years of climate variation, from paleoclimate research. The hydrological cycle is described, and its relevance to fisheries is made clear. Climate-related dynamics have had serious consequences in evolution of species, society and fisheries variability. Both production variabilities and changes in vulnerability due to constant dynamics of ocean motion affects are described. The records available for major fisheries are interpreted as we understand them from a century of in-depth research and analysis of various proxies, in particular, bioindicators. The history of climate as it relates to fisheries is addressed. The various spatial and temporal scales that are reflected in fisheries responses are described in an attempt to isolate weather from climate, or othe r events. Regional ecological responses to climate change are reviewed. Examples are given for the main ocean ecosystems, as defined by seasonal thermal properties. Synchrony and systematic transitions are discussed. Several forecast approaches are described, and their similar conclusions merged to provide a realistic expectation over the next few decades, and beyond. Likely impacts are ranked by fishery system type, and coping measures identified, where they are known, emphasizing the role of h umans in habitat protection and maintenance of options.

Cite this content as:

Sharp, G.D.Future climate change and regional fisheries: a collaborative analysis.FAO Fisheries Technical Paper. No. 452. Rome, FAO. 2003. 75p.

Language English

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