Abstract

Negative impacts of climate variability and change are already evident in the Caribbean, affecting fisheries through multiple pathways from changes in biological productivity, fishery yields and practices, community livelihoods, governance implications, to impacts on national economies and the wider society. Fortunately, there are also many initiatives across the region that are supporting ongoing adaptation measures such as the FAO-Climate Change Adaptation in the Eastern Caribbean Fisheries Sector (CC4FISH) project. We highlight these initiatives and examine some key policy actions that could be implemented to enhance existing efforts to ensure long-term adaptation of the fisheries sector to climate change. These include mainstreaming disaster risk management, greater governance flexibility, improved stakeholder engagement and support for innovative public-private partnerships. We also outline the need for better participation of fisherfolk in social protection schemes, recognition and best use of different skill sets of gender and youth, and facilitation of additional livelihood opportunities. These key policy actions are urgently needed to reduce vulnerabilities and increase the resilience of the fisheries sector to climate risks.

PDF Preview