Introduction to the tropical Pacific Islands region and the implications of climate change for fisheries and aquaculture

Abstract

In the Pacific Islands region, aquatic ecosystems (ocean, rivers and lakes) are integral to people’s culture and well-being, with fisheries and aquaculture making vital contributions to food and nutrition security, livelihoods, economic development, and government revenue. However, growing human populations and an increasing demand for resources, is resulting in land-based pollution and coastal development, unsustainable fisheries practices (including illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing), as well as expanding global trade and value chains, all of which represent significant pressures and drive change in the region. In addition, climate change – through increases in ocean temperature, ocean acidification, sea-level rise, and declines in dissolved oxygen – is an increasingly present and significant threat to ecosystems. These changes are already having, and will continue to have, profound effects on the structure and function of coastal, oceanic and freshwater ecosystems, as well as impacts on their component finfish and invertebrate species and the fisheries and aquaculture they support. These impacts will have consequences for the communities and economies that depend on them for food and nutrition security, livelihoods and revenue.