Eco-socio-economic vulnerability assessment of Portuguese fisheries to climate change

Understanding ecological, and socio-economical vulnerabilities is fundamental towards developing and implementing regional adaptation strategies to climate change. The Portuguese coast is situated in a transition zone between temperate ecosystems to the north, and subtropical with Mediterranean characteristics, to the south, with distinct oceanographic regions (north, centre, and south), fish assemblages and socioeconomic realities of fish communities across these regions. We develop a framework to assess fisheries climate vulnerability in each port. A total of 32 ecological and socio-economic indicators were used to measure exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity of the fishing sector to climate change by combining i) environmental projections ii) information from fishing communities (surveys at ports) and iii) landings and socio-economic data from official statistics offices. The vulnerability to climate change across regions, and its expected impact on fishing fleets and local communities, was low-moderate. Such information will enable fishing communities and decision makers to respond to expected climate change effects and direct/indirect associated activities. This framework comprises background information for developing mandatory EU climate adaptation plans that aim to improve the resilience of fisheries socio-economic systems.

Automated summary

Understanding vulnerabilities in both ecological and socio-economic aspects is crucial for developing and implementing regional adaptation strategies to climate change. The Portuguese coast, located between temperate and subtropical zones, has distinct oceanographic regions, fish assemblages, and socio-economic conditions. A framework was developed to assess the climate vulnerability of fisheries in each port using environmental projections, surveys, and official statistics. The vulnerability to climate change was found to be moderate, with potential impacts on fishing fleets and local communities. This framework provides essential background information for mandatory EU climate adaptation plans targeting the resilience of fisheries socio-economic systems.