Fishermen have been suffering from the consequences of overfishing for decades, leading to what they perceive as ill-conceived regulations limiting their catches. The rising temperature of the oceans is now accelerating their problems as fish flee north and local populations of fish, mollusks, and other marine animals are disappearing at twice the rate of land-based species. In the ocean there are simply fewer places to duck the heat.
The implications of this migration are great: almost half of 36 northwest Atlantic species have moved northward in the last 40 years as water temperatures have warmed.
The economic effect on fishermen is profound. According to a study released in December, 2019, climate change was responsible for removing 16 percent of jobs in New England’s most afflicted fishing communities.
In addition to migration, global warming is also affecting the ability of fish to reproduce. Atlantic cod populations, for example, could drop by as much as 60%. And, in a study done in 2008 and released in 2010, a coalition of hunting and fishing organizations outlined the consequences of climate change on fish and wildlife in the US, with a strong focus on fish like trout and salmon in our rivers as they become drier and hotter.
Looking forward, the latest National Climate Assessment warned that by mid-century, if greenhouse gas emissions continue at a high rate, changes in temperature, acidity, stratification, and upwelling are predicted to become stronger and more widespread, producing conditions never before experienced by modern species. Further, the fifth NCA notes that climate change “ poses risks to fisheries, tourism, recreation, transportation, energy and other economic sectors - and also undermines critical connections between people and the ocean, especially within Indigenous communities.” At the same time, “swift implementation of equity-focused adaptation and mitigation could help limit future risks” (NCA).
09/24/24
The ocean supports diverse and productive marine ecosystems that provide innumerable benefits to the United States. Fishing, recreation and tourism, energy, shipping, and transportation in the ocean and Great Lakes (see Ch. 24) sustain a…
04/09/24
The ocean covers over 70% of the earth’s surface. Its waters provide food for over 3 billion and employment for around 300 million people, generate economic benefits in the trillions of dollars, and are an…
07/29/22
The Lexicon and GSSI are launching a global call to action. Through a storytelling lab comprised of training modules and mentorship, we’re here to celebrate the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022 (IYAFA…
02/02/22
Fishermen in the North Pacific intimately understand the ocean, and they've noticed that once-reliable stalwarts like seasonal patterns and fish migration routes are changing alongside a warming climate. The Nature Conservancy in Alaska gathered their…
02/13/20
Oceans of the world may be fishless by 2048, and unmonitored and irresponsible fishing practices are being held as one of the major culprits behind this potential disaster.
01/01/18
The seafood business is booming. It comprises over 16% of the protein we eat worldwide, the majority of which is farmed. In the last 30 years, global fish farm production increased from 5 million to…
08/26/15
Five ways to ensure the fish you eat is healthy for you and for the environment.
08/29/19
Smart Catch is an educational sustainable seafood program created by chefs for chefs with the purpose of increasing the sustainability of the seafood supply chain. With more than 90 percent of the world's fisheries either…
08/29/19
World Forum of Fish Harvesters & Fish Workers (WFF) is an international organization that brings together small scale fisher organization for the establishment and upholding of fundamental human rights,social justice and culture of artisanal /small…
08/29/19
NOAA provides timely and reliable information based on sound science to communities and businesses every day. From daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings, and climate monitoring to fisheries management, coastal restoration and supporting marine commerce,…
08/29/19
The ocean sustains all life on Earth. From the air we breathe to the seafood we eat, our very survival depends on healthy seas. The Aquarium's Conservation & Science programs are tackling some of the…
08/29/19
For the last two decades, the Marine Fish Conservation Network has united fishermen, conservationists, scientists and citizens around a shared mission: conserving and revitalizing wild ocean fisheries.
06/24/19
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is an international nonprofit organization recognizing and promoting responsible fish farming practices through their certification program. In collaboration with scientists, conservation groups, aquaculture producers, seafood processors, and retail companies, ASC…
06/24/19
The Foundation is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, working with communities to conserve and expand those special places for a healthy ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes. Working together, we safeguard species and the…
01/07/19
After 15 years of experimentation, we have developed a new method of ocean farming designed to restore ocean ecosystems, mitigate climate change, and create blue-green jobs for fishermen — while providing healthy, local food for…
