The impact of climate change on coastal fisheries and aquaculture

Abstract

Fisheries and aquaculture in coastal waters and estuaries provide essential social, economic and cultural benefits for millions of people. While catches from coastal fisheries are close to their maximum limit, marine aquaculture is expected to continue growing in the coming decades. Both sectors are important for meeting the growing demand for aquatic foods. They present substantial challenges and threats, differing according to the location, scale and other features specific to each case. Climate change and its impacts represent a serious threat, and occasional opportunity, to both. This chapter explores the current and projected implications of climate change for coastal ecosystems, fisheries and aquaculture, how these changes are likely to affect the two sectors, and how they can adapt to minimise harmful impacts and benefit from opportunities. It also considers the contributions they can make to mitigation of climate change.