Government leaders, negotiators, scientists and NGOs, among others, meeting at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen (known as COP-15) will seek to find agreement on the challenges of climate change -- including its implications for fisheries and aquaculture, oceans and aquatic ecosystems.
Some 520 million depend on fisheries and aquaculture as a source of protein and income. For 400 million of the poorest of these, fish provides half or more of their animal protein and dietary minerals. Yet, more must be done to understand and prepare for the impacts that climate change will have on world fisheries and aquatic ecosystems.
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department will be participating in several key COP-15 events:
12 December: Agricultural and Rural Development Day - Ideas Marketplace (Bella Center)
13 December: Seminar on ocean ecosystem and climate research (organized by the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research aboard the R/V G.O. Sars)
14 December: Oceans Day at Copenhagen - The Importance of Oceans, Coasts, and Small Island Developnng States in the Climate Regime (organized by the Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts and Islands at the European Environment Agency)
15 December: Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Systems in a Changing Climate (organized by PaCFA at the European Environment Agency)
16 December: Seas the Future - Enhancing North Atlantic and Global Partnerships in a Changing Climate (organized by the Government of Fareo Islands in cooperation with Indonesia, Norway, the Nordic Coucil of Ministers and FAO at the Bella Center)
The FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, along with the Global Partnership Climate, Fisheries and Aquaculture, support raising awareness on these issues to promote a coordinated response from the fisheries and aquaculture sector to climate change, notably through a strategic approach to maintain or enhance the health and resilience of global oceans and waters, and strengthening the capacity of dependent people and communities, integrating these closely into broader development strategies.
- Latest news: Fisheries and aquaculture: multiple risks from climate change
- Learn more about the Global Partnership Climate, Fisheries and Aquaculture
- For information on United Nations Climate Change Conference
- Read the Wikipedia entry on Fisheries and climate change