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T
he
I
mpacts
and
I
mplications
of
C
limate
C
hange
and
V
ariability
men, and contributes to 7 per cent of the country’s gross domestic
product output. In addition, fish is the primary source of protein for
the population – tuna is served daily at every meal.
8
Climate change has the potential to devastate the fishing industry.
Tuna is very sensitive to biophysical conditions of the pelagic envi-
ronment, particularly changes in SST, and pole-and-line tuna fishery
is highly dependent on live bait, making it particularly vulnerable
to climate change. In addition, the Marine Research Centre in Malé,
Maldives, has determined that rising temperature is a key factor in
the health and growth of coral reefs.
In 2006, the Maldives adopted the National Adaptation Programme
of Action (NAPA). Its goal is to enhance the resilience of natural,
human, and social systems and their sustainability in the face of
predicted climate hazards. NAPA strives for synergy with Vision
2020, the Seventh National Development Plan and the Millennium
Development Goals.
Sri Lanka
The coastline of Sri Lanka measures approximately 1,760 kilome-
tres, the third longest in South Asia. Some 4.6 million people (about
one quarter of the population) live along the coast. The coastline is
geographically very diverse, with more than 1,337 fishing villages
and 131,000 households.
A study by the National Aquatic Resources Research and
Development Agency discusses the impact of climate change on
coastal resources. It says that the most sensitive habitats in the
country suffer different degrees of degradation owing to a combina-
tion of human activity and climatic change. It recommends a slew
of projects to battle climate change including: culture
of seaweed; oyster farming; crab fattening; artificial
production of marine ornamental fish; value addition
to agriculture and fisheries products; and use of fish
aggregating devices.
Going forward
A general understanding of the impact of temperature
rise on fish populations is limited at present because
of a lack of long-term research. However, with coastal
fishery resources already under pressure because of
overfishing, the possible impact of climate change is a
serious worry.
BOBP-IGO has already initiated some sensitization
activities in member-countries with an aim to collect
and compile scientific information and share it within
the regional and global community. Capacity building
programmes are also being taken up to create a cadre
of fishery personnel that are aware of the impacts of
climate change and are capable of communicating
related issues to all stakeholders, including of course
the fishers.
Since the fishery sector alone can’t prevent climate
change, BOBP-IGO will strive to study precautionary
measures undertaken elsewhere and adapt them to the
region. The result will be a regional status document on
the impact of climate change on fisheries and a regional
action plan for South Asia.
Skipjack tuna forms the mainstay of fisheries in Maldives. Global warming will have
adverse impact on pelagic species such as tuna
Declining fish resources are making life difficult for fishermen in
Bangladesh – Chittagong Fishing Harbour, Bangladesh
Image: Y S Yadava
Image: Y S Yadava