A changing climate & the Irish aquaculture sector: vulnerability, impacts & adaptation

Climate change, interwoven with anthropogenic pressures, is modifying the ocean and coastal waters in an unprecedented manner with dramatic consequences for our marine ecosystems, and consequently on those who depend on the... [ view full abstract ]

Climate change, interwoven with anthropogenic pressures, is modifying the ocean and coastal waters in an unprecedented manner with dramatic consequences for our marine ecosystems, and consequently on those who depend on the services provided by the sea. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Irish waters already cause significant economic damage to wild fisheries and aquaculture by making shellfish unsafe to eat and causing occasional fish kills. A warming climate, with its changes in variables such as temperature, salinity, currents and nutrient upwelling may lead to impacts including: expansion of warm-water species leading to introduction of more toxic species into Irish waters; change in the abundance and seasonal window of growth of HAB species increasing period of fish kill and toxic blooms risk; earlier timing of peak production of some phytoplankton impacting on the entire marine food web and potential collapse of economically important species. Informed adaptation planning and decision making, supported by evidence based scientific research on climate change impacts, is vital to reducing the vulnerability of the Irish aquaculture sector. This presentation will outline some potential adaptation options to increase the industry’s resilience and requirements for future management tools.