Climate change is not some far-off threat. It could belly-up to the fish dinner plate in front of you. Fish play a very important role in human diets and economies, especially in millions of people living in coastal regions of the world. They give proteins, vitamins, micronutrients. Millions of these people sell fish and fish products for securing their subsistence practically, directly relying on fishing for their livelihood. Climate change, however, threatens to place these critical marine resources in jeopardy. This paper, therefore, examines how rising temperatures, acidification of the oceans, and other factors are impacting fish populations and the seafood industry.
Effects of Climate Change on Marine Ecosystems
Ocean Acidification: The levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are increasing as a result of climate change. According to the studies, this makes oceans more acidic. Phytoplanktons form the base of the marine food chain, and acidic waters harm these small organisms. Phytoplanktons are a major food source for small fish. If they decline, the small fishes will consequently find it hard to search for food, thereby affecting the whole food web.
Dead Zones: Warmer waters create low-oxygen areas, known as “dead zones.” Life of any form in these areas becomes difficult. Fish and other sea creatures need oxygen to survive; therefore, when these zones expand, more marine life is threatened, further leading to the disruption of local ecosystems and fisheries.
Temperature Changes: Increased sea temperatures will push fishes into cooler waters. In this way, it has the potential to impair fish growth and their reproduction. The Fisher species do not find the proper habitats or breeding grounds. Distributional changes in fish bring changes to the local food supplies and commercial fishing.
Habitat loss, Climate change decimates the essential coastal habitats called coral reefs and mangroves—they serve as nurseries and spawning grounds for many fish species. Their loss would then be tantamount to fewer areas that could serve as potential breeding grounds and for fish to hide. As habitats disappear the fish population also decreases .
Role of Prokaryotes
Introduction to Prokaryotes: Prokaryotes are small, microscopic organisms crucial to the marine environment. They comprise bacteria that assist in the utilization of organic matter or decomposition, and they recycle elemental substances. Signs: Prokaryotes assume utmost importance in their activity in nutrient cycles and the balancing of life in ecosystems.
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Impact of Climate Change: As the temperature of the oceans increases, Prokaryotes over time become the new rulers. This is basically because they can adapt in a better manner which, in turn, accounts for a tolerance level greater than the fish’s and other larger categories.
Nutrient Competition: When the Prokaryotes bloom, they increase their population, which can cause cutthroat competition for the nutrients available in the ocean waters. Nutrients required by the fish might get absorbed by the numerous populations. This nutrient competition can cause its population to suffer from starvation conditions because it might lack the required amounts of nutrients. When Prokaryotes are increased, the nutrient base for fish populations and other marine life is likely to be affected further.
Economic overview of fish industry
Fishing Industry: A critical part of the global food supply, fish provide the needed protein by billions of people. The global seafood industry is valued at about $500 billion. A decrease in the population of fishes can carry important economic implications.
Case Study – India: India has high consumption of fish. In many states, such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal, fish is a staple food. Over 90% of the coastal population in these states consumes fish regularly. Around 3.8 million of the coastal population are in the fishery sector.
Economic risk: A reduction in fish population would lead to a decline in the revenue gained by the industry and hence an increase in consumer prices. Fishing provides a livelihood to people in the coastal areas. Less catch means less revenue and increased price in the plates of consumers. This trend may even bring economic instability in the countries where fishing is a significant means of living.
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Export Market: India is a major contender in the export of seafood on a world scale. The country exported seafood worth Rs 63,969.14 crores in the financial year 2022-23. India is also aiming at increasing the value of its seafood exports to Rs 1 trillion within the coming two years. To accomplish such a lofty target, climate change could figuratively and literally put a dent in that aspiration by damaging the fish population.
Larger Implications in Seafood Supply
Supply Chain Disruption: Falling fish stocks ripple down the entire seafood supply chain. Declining fish catches impact fishers, processors, and suppliers. At every stage of the supply chain, its stocks form the basis for business. Disruption means reduced production and rising costs.
Economic Losses: The cost of reducing fish populations is of economic enormity. Lower catches and resulting higher prices could impose loss figures into the billions. The overall seafood industry would be affixed with these economic losses. The economic instability in those communities may have additional outcomes.
