BLOG SURF: Changing climate

The Pacific islands’ fisheries sector is under serious threat from the changing climate.

Increases in extreme weather events, erratic rainfall, intense solar radiation, rising sea surface temperatures and sea levels, and ocean acidification are degrading the region’s mangrove and coral reef ecosystems and fisheries, and harming fish production.

Fish are the region’s primary protein source, so rural communities—especially coastal communities—that rely on farming and fishing for subsistence and incomes face serious risks to their health and livelihoods.

A new research study shows that the Pacific islands’ future demand for fish can be addressed by scaling up aquaculture production, and coupling it with climate adaptation and environmental protection measures.

Pacific island countries face a dire predicament.

With rising per capita income and population, demand for fish and seafood is expected to increase substantially up to 2050.