Rapid assessment of fisheries species sensitivity to climate change
Date
2014
Authors
Pecl, G.
Ward, T.
Doubleday, Z.
Clarke, S.
Day, J.
Dixon, C.
Frusher, S.
Gibbs, P.
Hobday, A.
Hutchinson, N.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Climatic Change, 2014; 127(3-4):505-520
Statement of Responsibility
Gretta T. Pecl, Tim M. Ward, Zoƫ A. Doubleday, Steven Clarke, Jemery Day, Cameron Dixon, Stewart Frusher, Philip Gibbs, Alistair J. Hobday, Neil Hutchinson, Sarah Jennings, Keith Jones, Xiaoxu Li, Daniel Spooner, Richard Stoklosa
Conference Name
Abstract
Climate change driven alterations in the distribution and abundance of marine species, and the timing of their life history events (phenology), are being reported around the globe. However, we have limited capacity to detect and predict these responses, even for comparatively well studied commercial fishery species. Fisheries provide significant socio-economic benefits for many coastal communities, and early warning of potential changes to fish stocks will provide managers and other stakeholders with the best opportunity to adapt to these impacts. Rapid assessment methods that can estimate the sensitivity of species to climate change in a wide range of contexts are needed. This study establishes an objective, flexible and cost effective framework for prioritising future ecological research and subsequent investment in adaptation responses in the face of resource constraints. We build on an ecological risk assessment framework to assess relative sensitivities of commercial species to climate change drivers, specifically in relation to their distribution, abundance and phenology, and demonstrate our approach using key species within the fast warming region of south-eastern Australia. Our approach has enabled fisheries managers to understand likely changes to fisheries under a range of climate change scenarios, highlighted critical research gaps and priorities, and assisted marine industries to identify adaptation strategies that maximise positive outcomes.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
First online: 13 November 2014
Access Status
Rights
Ā© Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2014