As our world grapples with the imperative task of sustaining fisheries amidst escalating climate stressors and human impacts, the quest for resilient fisheries becomes paramount. Jacob Eurich, a research associate at UC Santa Barbara’s Marine Science Institute and a fisheries scientist at the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), leads an international cohort of researchers in exploring the intricate tapestry of resilient fisheries. Their findings, published in the journal Fish and Fisheries, unravel not only the challenges but also the diverse success stories that offer valuable insights for the future.
In the pursuit of climate resilience, Eurich emphasizes the multifaceted nature of fisheries, each requiring a tailored approach. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation,” he notes, highlighting the complexity of marine ecosystems and the unique circumstances faced globally. The study scrutinizes 18 fisheries worldwide, delving into the attributes that enabled them to persist despite the dual pressures of climate change and human activities.
The researchers distil their insights into fishery archetypes and resilience pathways, offering a framework that standardizes, prioritizes, and scores key attributes across ecological, social, and governance dimensions. This comprehensive approach allows for a nuanced understanding of what contributes to resilience and sustainable benefits for society.
Five archetypes of climate-resilient fisheries emerge, each with its unique blend of ecological, social, and economic strengths. In some fisheries, robust ecosystems and close-knit communities foster flexible governance, distributing non-monetary benefits widely. In contrast, other fisheries thrive on strong governance and economic assets, driving efficient conversion of fish into economic benefits. Yet, the concentration of wealth among the most successful firms in these fisheries can lead to power imbalances.
The researchers also identify key priority areas where deficiencies hinder fishery resilience. Political obstacles, lack of support, or capacity constraints often impede necessary climate-ready management interventions. Eurich emphasizes that addressing these inhibiting attributes is crucial for the success of long-term interventions.
Looking forward, Lily Zhao, a Ph.D. student at UCSB, underscores the need for equitable distribution of resilience sources within fishery systems. As the framework and findings are transformed into an interactive decision support tool—the Climate-Resilient Fisheries Planning Tool—it provides a roadmap for developing fishery resilience plans. The journey toward climate-resilient fisheries demands ongoing efforts to ensure equity and inclusivity in governance, setting the course for a sustainable future amid the waves of change.
Source: University of California – Santa Barbara for Science Daily