What is it about?
The overall aim of this study was to gain insight into the real-world complexities of aquaculture and climate change, and the level of detail required for assessment, by compiling information for a specific species and area. This study collated information from scientific literature and industry news to identify climate stressors, impacts and adaptation responses that could affect different aspects of salmon aquaculture production in Norway. Across all salmon production stages and the wider supply chain, seven climate stressors, 45 impacts and 101 adaptation responses were identified. Almost all impacts were linked to multiple climate stressors, and many adaptation responses can be used for a range of impacts. The study also highlights the need for more climate change research that reflects the challenges that the aquaculture sector faces, where multiple stressors and the range of impacts across production stages and the wider supply chain are included.
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Why is it important?
Aquaculture is an important food production sector. The effects of climate change on aquaculture will vary depending on location, species, type of farm, and stage of production. There will also be impacts to the wider supply chain, and consequences in one stage may impact another. This study shows that there is a need to move towards more targeted and detailed assessments that are more relevant for industry and other stakeholders. If the sector is to prepare effectively for present and future challenges, then complexities and knowledge gaps must be acknowledged rather than ignored.
Perspectives
This paper shows that there are many different factors to consider when assessing the potential impact of climate change on aquaculture. Salmon aquaculture in Norway is used as an example, but the paper is relevant across the entire aquaculture sector, and we hope this serves as a starting point for discussions on how to acknowledge and address complexities in climate change assessments. More detailed assessments would provide information that can be used to support decisions on the most appropriate routes for adaptation. The study also highlights knowledge gaps and the need for more climate change research that reflects the challenges that the aquaculture sector faces, where multiple stressors and the range of impacts across production stages and the wider supply chain are included.
Lynne Falconer
University of Stirling
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Insight into real-world complexities is required to enable effective response from the aquaculture sector to climate change, PLOS Climate, March 2022, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pclm.0000017.
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