Climate change on fisheries: Challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Science has shown us that since Earth’s creation, climate has been affected by natural occurrences,
both within and outside the climate system, but in recent years, climate is also being affected by actions and
inactions of the human race. Climate system changes affect all life on earth, but fisheries are affected in
particular, because almost three-quarters of the Earth’s surface is water and home to a variety of aquatic life.
Changing weather is producing more droughts, floods, rising sea levels, salt water intrusion of fresh water,
acidity in the oceans and ocean warming. This paper discusses how climate change is affecting both marine
life in the oceans and aquatic species in fresh water, as well as the effects of these changes on the seafood
supply chain and other revenue sources in coastal areas. Factors causing climate change and actions needed to
mitigate these changes are also discussed.