Fisheries
 

Fisheries

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Climate change is having profound effects on marine and freshwater ecosystems, but it is difficult to separate the climate impacts on fisheries from those caused by human fishing pressure:

  • Plankton distributions are now found further north than previously (1000 km shift in 50 years);

  • Plankton production is now occurring earlier in the year (up to six weeks earlier in 20 years);

  • North Sea cod appear to have moved north, but it is not clear that climate change is the cause.

Quite separately from the effects of higher global temperatures, the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is causing the acidification of the oceans. This will affect the ability of many organisms to form their carbonate shells or skeletons.

 

 

Close-up of fishing nets and red buoy

 
Image © Stephen O'Neill 2007

 
 

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