There is no denying fact that global warming and rapid change in climate will have strong impact on fisheries with far-reaching consequences for food and livelihood security of a sizable section of the population. It is said that some of the impacts are already being felt as reflected by changes in the distribution of fish species in oceans.
It is found that the stocks of warmer water species are multiplying while those of colder ones are contracting. Apart from this the increasing level of acidity, salinity, in the seas as a result of the climate change are believed to have negative effect on many coral reefs and calcium-bearing organisms. Even the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has been stated this threat.
It is fact that the body temperatures of aquatic species vary according to ambient temperatures. Any change in habitat temperatures significantly influence their metabolism, growth rate, productivity, seasonal reproduction, and susceptibility to diseases and toxins, the report points out. It is told that warming has been more intense in surface waters but is not exclusive to these. The Atlantic Ocean has shown particularly clear signs of deep warming. This is causing changes in the distribution of the fish species.
According to FAO the impact would, of course, vary in different regions. For communities that heavily rely on fisheries will have to rethink about their long run livelihood. It is said that the changes in the ocean salinity have already been observed to occur, which would affect other forms of aquatic life, notably the coral reefs.
