An expert committee in Norway on climate adaptation warns of reduced catches in the future, as a result of climate change. The committee has submitted its report to the Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen.
The Expert Committee on Climate Adaptation examined a nimber of sectors and the expected consequences of climate change. For fisheries, warmer seas will degrade conditions for many of the current target species, according to the committee’s findings.
The committee estimates that Norway’s catch volume of current species could be reduced by 35% in 2050, compared to 2010-2024 levels.
Behind this is a combination of natural variations and human-induced climate change. Natural fluctuations mean that the situation could improve somewhat by the end of the century, concluding with an 11% decrease compared to current levels.
Reduced catch volumes will lead to reduced revenues in the industry. At the same time, warmer seas may lead to the introduction of new species, although the report does not take potential values into account. Other changes, such as more extreme weather conditions, could also affect fisheries.
The committee states that there is a need for a broader understanding of the impacts of climate change on marine areas and fish stocks should be increased.
