Fisheries worldwide need to adapt to climate change - Report

Fluctuations in sea temperatures, changes in ocean currents and more frequent extreme weather events are the result of global warming

20 Feb 2025 11:18am

In order for the sector to adapt to climate change, cooperation between scientists, industry representatives and politicians needs to be improved Photo by AFP

PARIS - Climate change is one of the biggest challenges for fisheries around the world and they need to be better prepared, according to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) published on Wednesday.

Fluctuations in sea temperatures, changes in ocean currents and more frequent extreme weather events are the result of global warming and are having an increasing impact on fish stocks and therefore on the livelihoods of people in the fishing industry, the report added.

It's important to understand how climate change is affecting the performance and sustainability of fisheries, the OECD said, and to make predictions about future impacts to ensure sustainable fisheries management.

In order for the sector to adapt to climate change, cooperation between scientists, industry representatives and politicians needs to be improved, the OECD said.

The OECD also called for an overhaul of the industry's current subsidy practices to make the sector more sustainable. It suggests that current subsidies, such as those for fuel, construction, the purchase and operation of vessels, should be redirected to activities that are critical to the sustainability of global fisheries.

These include research to assess the condition of fish stocks, enforcement of fishing laws and temporary income support for fishermen affected by crises such as marine heatwaves.

At the same time, the sector needs to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to contribute to international efforts towards climate neutrality, the OECD stated. Fuel used by vessels remains the main source of these emissions in fisheries. - Bernama