Researchers have identified immediate, actionable steps to protect US fishing communities from the growing threats of climate change.
The new study by scientists and policy experts from Ocean Conservancy outlines 60 management actions, nearly half of which can be implemented within the next one to two years.
“Our fishery management isn’t adapting fast enough to changes already being felt on the ground,” said Michael Drexler, a fishery scientist at Ocean Conservancy and lead author on the study.
“If we don’t act, we are leaving fishing communities at risk now and closing the door for future adaptation options for fishing communities and ecosystems.
“We don’t have time to waste, and this study provides us with tangible steps that can be taken today to shore up fisheries for the short and long term.”
The actions fall into three categories: directly addressing climate impacts like shifting fish stocks, strengthening overall fish stock resilience and integrating climate and ecosystem data into all areas of fishery management.
The findings underscore that significant progress toward climate-ready fisheries is possible now, without needing new legislation or research.
The study – published in Frontiers of Marine Science – arrives amid a surge in climate-driven fishery disasters and historic funding cuts to NOAA. While the recommended actions can be taken through existing regional frameworks, NOAA’s budget cuts threaten the agency’s capacity to support science and data collection, potentially hindering swift implementation.
“In partnership with NOAA, fishery management councils have the power to act to help protect the livelihood of generations to come,” said Meredith Moore, director of fish conservation at Ocean Conservancy, “but if Congress and the Administration’s proposed cuts to NOAA come to pass, we’ll be looking at a darker future for America’s fisheries and all of us who depend on them.”
