Thumbnail Image

Climate change vulnerability in fisheries and aquaculture

Year of publication 2015

Pages 98 p.

Author Cecile Brugere

Product type Book (stand-alone)

ISBN 978-92-5-108715-2

Series title FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circular

Series number C1104

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) Global reviews of the impacts of climate change on fisheries and aquaculture systems carried out in 2009 revealed a paucity and patchiness of information concerning climate impacts on the sector. Six follow-up regional case studies were then launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in an attempt to start filling the gaps and to provide direction and initial steps in adaptation planning. Fisheries and aquaculture systems were selected across the globe to allow for diversity. The approach of the case studies followed a template allowing them to: (i) define vulnerability to climate change by understanding potential impacts on the system, the sensitivity of the system to such changes and the current adaptive capacity; (ii) identify gaps in existing knowledge in assessing the vulnerability of the system; (iii) identify potential strategies for reducing vulnerability to climate change; and (iv) provide policy guidance in reducing system vulnerability. The objective of this publication is to consolidate, further interpret, refine and draw conclusions from the information gathered on climate change impacts, sensitivity and adaptive capacity of fish production systems in the diverse and geographically distinct social-ecological systems covered by the six case studies. Although the specificity of each case study and the complexity of vulnerability prevent a generalization of issues and the drawing of broad conclusions, the present document captures common threads from a close examination of the exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity of the systems considered. Information on these three characteristics of vulnerability is particularly relevant to policy-makers, development practitioners and members of the academic community concerned with the impacts of climate change on aquatic resources and the communities and economies they support. It can be used to identify areas in which interventions, policy development and/or further research a re needed to better equip these systems and their stakeholders to reduce their vulnerability and enhance their adaptation to long-term climate-induced changes. It can also be used as a benchmark against which improvements in capacity may be measured or monitored over time.

Language English

Also available in:
No results found.

Related items

Showing items related by metadata.

  • Thumbnail Image
    Book (series)
    BCC-FAO Regional Workshop on Assessing Climate Change Vulnerability in Fisheries and Aquaculture 2013
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    The purpose of the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem Regional Workshop on Assessing Climate Change Vulnerability in Fisheries and Aquaculture was to present an initial review of the bio-physical and biological implications of climate variability and change on the region’s fisheries; review the latest stages in research on and application of climate variability and change vulnerability methodologies and discuss their appropriateness to the region's adaptation planning needs; identify key el ements of vulnerability for the region, including climate-related drivers of change and adaptive capacities along the entire fisheries and aquaculture value chains. Making the link between expert advice and practical use of vulnerability methodologies from around the globe with fisheries representatives from the region set the scene for fruitful discussions on how to develop vulnerability frameworks appropriate to the region, making the best use of existing information and evaluating means to co llect needed information, particularly concerning social and economic vulnerability of the region’s fisheries and aquaculture.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Book (series)
    Recent advances in climate change vulnerability/risk assessments in the fisheries and aquaculture sector 2021
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    Vulnerability and risk assessment is an important tool that has been used in the fisheries and aquaculture sector to assess the current and potential consequences of climate change in a variety of geographical, environmental and socio-economic contexts and scales. The resulting information on risks and vulnerabilities can then feed decision-making on adaptation, including allocation of resources and prioritization of areas for action. However, there is no harmonized approach nor methodology to conduct vulnerability and risk assessments. This publication seeks to analyze the different existing methodologies in order to contribute to laying the basis of a consistent approach to design future climate vulnerability and risk assessments in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The publication builds on the findings outlined in the FAO Technical Papers No. 597 “Assessing climate change vulnerability in fisheries and aquaculture - Available methodologies and their relevance for the sector” and No. 627 “Impacts of climate change on fisheries and aquaculture - Synthesis of current knowledge, adaptation and mitigation options” and explores the recent advances in approaches of vulnerability and risk assessments, and the methodological developments to conduct such assessments.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Brochure, flyer, fact-sheet
    FAO’s work on Climate Change. Fisheries, Aquaculture and Climate Change: The role of fisheries and aquaculture in the implementation of the Paris agreement 2016
    Also available in:
    Billions of people around the world depend on fisheries and aquaculture for food, essential nutrients and livelihoods. The sector is already under stress from pollution, habitat degradation, overfishing and harmful practices; climate variability, climate change and ocean acidification represent additional threats to the sector and dependent communities. FAO and its partners are working together to reduce vulnerabilities of those most dependent on fisheries and aquaculture for their existence by designing and implementing suitable adaptation and mitigation measures. FAO and its partners are working at finding solutions to meet an ever-growing demand for fish in an era of limited natural resources, build resilience and unlock the Blue Growth potential of the aquatic systems.
Show more

Users also downloaded

Showing related downloaded files

No results found.