How Climate Change is Endangering Tuna: The Urgent Need for Action – ABC Pacific

In the vast Pacific Ocean, major challenges are arising beneath the waves. Tuna, a key species for both the ocean’s ecosystems and the economies of many Pacific Island nations, is struggling due to climate change. Warmer waters, increased acidification, and shifting currents are driving tuna into unfamiliar territories, threatening the livelihoods of those who rely on fishing.

The connection to the ocean runs deep for many in Palau. Ann Singeo, a leader in a local conservation group, shares how local fishers see caring for the ocean as a duty. “When we ask about their relationship with the ocean, they often express a sense of responsibility to protect it,” she notes.

However, this relationship is changing. Once-reliable signs that guided traditional fishing are now unpredictable. Experienced elders and fishermen are noticing strange weather patterns and unusual fish behavior. For instance, Singeo recalls a fisherwoman’s observation: heavy rains led to fish dying in shallow waters due to lack of oxygen, a phenomenon that’s becoming more common.

Even larger marine life, like sharks and rays, are showing up dead along the shores, indicating that climate change is affecting deeper waters as well. Fishers now find themselves facing warmer waters that disrupt the seasonal movements of tuna. This has profound implications, as the fish are no longer where they used to be during their usual seasons. Singeo adds that these shifts impact traditional fishing methods and community resources.

The economic stakes are high. Tuna fishing provides about $500 million annually for Pacific Islands, with the region accounting for over half of the world’s tuna catch, valued at around $6 billion. This income is crucial for countries like Kiribati and Tuvalu, where fishing licenses are a major source of government revenue. In fact, over 70% of Kiribati’s budget comes from tuna access fees. Regions are already feeling the pressure, as fish stocks move away and fishing becomes more challenging. Dr. Graham Pilling from the Pacific Community calls attention to the extensive economic zones that Pacific nations manage, which together span more than five times the size of Australia.

As climate change advances, it’s altering fishing patterns. Warmer conditions associated with El Niño push tuna east, while La Niña pulls them back west. This affects accessibility for Pacific nations, which may struggle to profit from their waters. Current predictions suggest that tuna abundance could decline by 13% in the coming decades, as temperatures continue to rise.

To address these challenges, regional cooperation is becoming more vital. The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission is working to adapt management strategies to align with changing ecosystems. Strategies include deploying Fish Aggregating Devices to help local fishermen, as well as improving scientific modeling to predict further impacts.

Simon Kofe, Tuvalu’s Minister for Transport, emphasizes the importance of cooperation among Pacific nations to manage tuna stocks effectively. “The commitment among our nations is strong,” he asserts. “We need to support one another as we face these challenges.” With $100 million in support from the Green Climate Fund, efforts are underway to help communities adapt to climate impacts on tuna.

Despite these initiatives, the Pacific is not a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Dr. Pilling reminds us that this is not solely a local issue; it calls for international action. “We all need to be concerned,” he states. The urgency is felt acutely by those in vulnerable coastal nations who see firsthand how climate change is reshaping their oceans and lives.

Ultimately, the struggle for tuna in the Pacific is part of a larger story about climate resilience. It highlights not just the environmental crisis but also the pressing need for global cooperation to ensure the future of both local economies and global food security.

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climate change, Fisheries, Tuna, Pacific, Industrial fishing licenses