A new study has found that the impact of climate change on the global fishing industry could be far worse than previously thought. The study, which was published in the journal Science Advances, examined the effects of climate change on fish stocks and fisheries around the world, and found that many of the species that support the global fishing industry are likely to be significantly impacted by rising temperatures and other changes in the ocean.
The study’s lead author, Daniel Pauly, a professor of fisheries at the University of British Columbia, explained that the research found that “climate change will affect fish in ways that we didn’t really understand before.” He noted that “a lot of fish will disappear from the tropical areas, and will move toward the poles, where it’s colder,” which could lead to significant changes in the global fishing industry.
The study found that while some fish species may be able to adapt to changing ocean conditions, many others are likely to struggle to survive. Some of the species that are likely to be most impacted by climate change include tuna, swordfish, and Atlantic salmon, which are all important fish for the global fishing industry.
In addition to the direct impact on fish stocks, the study also found that climate change could have significant economic impacts on the fishing industry. The research estimated that the global fishing industry could lose as much as $10 billion by 2050 due to the effects of climate change, with the losses concentrated in countries that rely heavily on fishing for their economy, such as Indonesia and the Philippines.
The study’s authors noted that urgent action is needed to address the impacts of climate change on the global fishing industry. They called for measures such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating marine protected areas to help protect fish populations and support the sustainability of the fishing industry.
Overall, the study highlights the significant risks that climate change poses to the global fishing industry and the urgent need for action to address these risks.
