Resources on fisheries and the effects of climate change in the Pacific

Over the past decade, international research and modelling has pointed to likely climate change impacts on fisheries in the Pacific region. Recent research on the effects of climate change on the rich tuna resources of the region points to an eastward redistribution of tuna, which are predicted to move progressively from the exclusive economic zones of Pacific Island countries and territories to the high seas (international waters). The movement of tuna in this way will have a serious impact on the economies of a number of Pacific Island Countries. Lower catches of tuna from their waters will reduce their collective income from tuna-fishing access fees by 20% by 2050 under a continued high greenhouse gas emissions scenario. This will limit the funds that these countries have to develop their health and education systems and to build necessary infrastructure like roads. The research show that if GHG emissions can be reduced in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, the movement of tuna will not occur in a way that disadvantages Pacific island economies. Climate change is also expected to have direct and indirect effects on coastal fish species. Warmer waters will directly affect the physiology of many coastal fish species, changing their growth rates, the time of year they spawn, how many eggs they produce, etc. The negative effects of ocean warming and ocean acidification on the heath and extent of living coral reefs will reduce the amount of habitat available for many coastal fish species in the Pacific Island region. Taken together, the direct and indirect effects of climate change on coastal fish species will reduce the number of fish available for food security of Pacific Island people who have traditionally depended heavily on fish for food, and the number of livelihoods that can be supported by fishing in coastal waters. Adaptations are needed to minimise the impacts of climate change on coastal fisheries and to fill the gap in fish supply with tuna. To better inform senior policy makers and decision makers and other stakeholders, including through UNFCCC processes, the Secretariat of Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) sought the services of science illustrators/ communicators/ graphic designers to develop short visualisations highlighting the implications of climate change impacts for Pacific fisheries.

Visualisation of Climate Change Impacts to Pacific Fisheries -  videos in order:

1a. Adaptations for tuna-dependent communities & economies (long video with subtitles) - https://youtu.be/6UEzgXwN1Tk

1b. Long video without subtitles - https://youtu.be/SIMVeHKiqmQ

1c. Short video with subtitles - https://youtu.be/s27O3ZvTU5A

1d. Short video without subtitles - https://youtu.be/PlFGuIC4PeA

Links to more information about FADs:

• https://www.fao.org/in-action/sustainable-nearshore-fisheries-improves-livelihoods-pacific/zh/ 
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4Yipy9aSuk

Proposals under development to assist tuna-dependent Pacific communities and economies adapt to climate change:

• https://www.greenclimate.fund/document/adapting-tuna-dependent-pacific-island-communities-and-economies-climate-change

For further information, contact:

• Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems Division at the Pacific Community (SPC) - www.fame.spc.int
• Fisheries Management Division at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency - https://www.ffa.int/node/1412
• Center for Oceans, Conservation International - https://www.conservation.org/about/center-for-oceans