Fishers’ perceptions and adaptation on climate change in northeastern Taiwan

Abstract

The impacts of climate change on Taiwanese marine capture fisheries have been observed in several studies. To help decision makers develop appropriate, fishery-related measures to enhance the resilience or social adaptation capacity to respond to climate change, an analysis of fishers’ perceptions and their adaptation is needed. This study selected Keelung City, New Taipei City, and Yilan County as case studies for analyzing fishers’ perceptions on climate change in northeastern Taiwan. To meet research objectives, we conducted a questionnaire survey to interview 273 fishers who have experiences of capture fishing. Then, descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and logistic regression were used for empirical analysis. The results indicated that a total of 81% of respondents might adapt their fishing behavior in response to climate change. The empirical results show that the respondents who recognized the importance of risk controls and the impacts on marine physical environments might change fishing behaviors in response to climate change. Also, the respondents who have substantial experience fishing might adapt their fishing behaviors in response to climate change. Elderly respondents might not adapt their fishing behaviors in response to climate change. Based on the findings, three management recommendations for related policies are offered: (1) a modified incentive program to attract younger labor forces to join the fishing industry; (2) an early-warning or weather information system; and (3) marine resources management measures. The results provide a valid foundation for management agencies of coastal and offshore fisheries under climate change.