Fisher’s perceptions inform adaptation measures to reduce vulnerability to climate change in a Mexican natural protected area

Abstract

Fishing activities are vulnerable to climate change and natural climatic variability. Fishery-dependent coastal communities with low diversification of economic activities are especially threatened by climate change. We prioritized adaptation measures to climate change, through participatory community workshops that captured stakeholders' knowledge and perceptions, including fishers, scientists, and managers within the Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve, in Baja California, Mexico. During these participatory community workshops, participants addressed the potential changes in the spatial distribution of fishery resources, the loss of ocean productivity, the increase in sea level, and higher storm frequency. The adaptation measures proposed to reduce vulnerability to these climate change effects can be grouped in three categories: 1) economic diversification, 2) improvement in the processing and commercialization of fishery products, and 3) fisheries management. Some of the key adaptation measures included diversification of fishing activities, processing and marketing, and improving fisheries management. In general, Mexico has the comprehensive policy framework necessary to implement these measures, but requires financing and a more efficient regulatory process that can respond to the rapid effects of climate change in marine systems.