Fishing

Climate change is altering ocean climate, chemistry, currents, sea levels and species distribution. Together, these changes impact ecosystems, their productivity and the ecosystem services that support many of the economic benefits provided by the sea. Changes in wave conditions affect fisheries by altering navigability for fishing activities. An increase in the number of fishing days lost to sea conditions will have a significant impact on small-scale fishing, which is highly vulnerable to climate change. Enhancing the resilience of fisheries to climate change by implementing sustainable fisheries management practices and diversifying the range of species that are fished can help moderate the vulnerability of communities and countries and increase their adaptation to climate change. Implementing sustainable fisheries management policies and strategies contributes to mitigation by reducing both reliance on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions linked to food production and consumption (ECLAC).