What does climate change mean for our fisheries?
Wednesday 28th November I 16.00 – 18.00 I Zoology Building I The University of Aberdeen I AB24 2TZ
According to the latest special report on climate change from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), we are already seeing the major consequences of 1.0°C global warming caused by human activity with future warming estimated to reach 1.5°C between 2030 and 2052. Limiting global warming is critically important to reducing risks to marine biodiversity, fisheries, and ecosystems.
This dramatic shift in ocean temperatures is making big waves for marine fisheries, and the businesses and livelihoods that depend on them. Globally, commercial catches could decline due to the cumulative impacts of warming on fish distribution, survival, growth, and reproduction.
On the 28th November at the University of Aberdeen (16.00-18.00, Zoology Building),leading experts from the UK, USA and Australia will present their perspectives on the importance of climate change for the distribution, management and productivity of commercial fish stocks. Representatives from the Scottish fishing industry will be on hand to share their views on climate change and outline how the industry can adapt.
Professor Gretta Pecl (University of Tasmania, Australia) is a world-renowned specialist in climate change ecology. She studies what is happening to the species in our oceans as the water warms and considers the impacts on food security and seafood industries around the world.
Dr. John Pinnegar (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, UK) is Director of the Marine Climate Change Centre (MC3), a role that includes strategic planning of research goals and initiatives to provide advice about and evidence of climate change.
Dr. Alan Haynie (Alaska Fisheries Science Center, USA) is an economist investigating how changing climate, biological, and market conditions impact Alaskan fisheries including how the Alaska pollock fleet uses multiple fishing strategies to buffer against environmental change in the Bering Sea.
George R West (skipper of the pelagic trawler Resolute) has fished for mackerel and herring in Scottish waters for four decades, experiencing first-hand any changes in fish distribution and behaviour that may have occurred during a period of warming in the North Sea.
Dr. Steven Mackinson (Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association) is a scientist facilitating the Scottish pelagic industry’s participation in scientific data collection and their engagement with scientific issues that affect their businesses.
All are welcome to attend this public event which includes a chance to ask questions to scientists and join an important discussion on what the future holds for our marine fish, fishing industries and coastal communities.
