Sri Vijaya Puram, June 8: The impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems and fisheries are becoming increasingly evident across India, with scientists warning that changing ocean conditions are altering fish populations, affecting coastal habitats and posing new challenges for fishing communities.
The concerns were highlighted during an awareness programme on climate change and marine fisheries organized by the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) in collaboration with the ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI), National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), non-governmental organizations, fishermen and students in Sri Vijaya Puram.
The event brought together researchers, fisheries professionals, students and community stakeholders to discuss the growing environmental pressures facing marine resources and the implications for long-term fisheries sustainability.
Delivering the keynote address virtually, Dr. M. Muruganandam, Principal Scientist and Head of the Fisheries Science Division at ICAR-CIARI, said climate change is increasingly influencing oceans worldwide, with consequences that are now visible both scientifically and through observations made by fishing communities.
According to Dr. Muruganandam, the oceans absorb a substantial portion of the impacts generated by global climate change. This has led to rising sea surface temperatures, sea-level rise, ocean acidification, changes in circulation patterns and an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
These changes, he explained, have far-reaching effects on marine life and fisheries. Fish growth rates, spawning cycles, migration patterns, reproductive success and survival rates are all being influenced by changing environmental conditions. Such shifts can ultimately affect fisheries productivity and the livelihoods of communities dependent on marine resources.
Particular attention was drawn to the vulnerability of coastal ecosystems such as coral reefs, seagrass meadows and mangrove forests. These habitats serve as essential breeding, feeding and nursery grounds for numerous marine species. Their degradation due to climate-related stress can reduce biodiversity and weaken the ecological foundations that support fisheries.
Scientists noted that coral reefs are especially sensitive to rising sea temperatures, while mangroves and seagrass ecosystems face threats from changing coastal conditions and sea-level rise. The loss of these habitats could have long-term consequences for fish populations and ecosystem health.
Drawing from field observations and interactions with fishermen, Dr. Muruganandam said climate change impacts are no longer limited to scientific data but are increasingly being reported by fishing communities themselves.
Fishermen have observed changes in fish availability and stock structure, including unusual patterns in the timing and abundance of fish catches. According to observations shared during the programme, mature and harvestable fish stocks have at times appeared more abundant during fishing ban periods, while larger numbers of juveniles and breeding stocks have been encountered during active fishing seasons.
Such trends, experts suggested, may indicate changing stock dynamics that require further scientific assessment. Dr. Muruganandam emphasized the need for fisheries management strategies to evolve in response to emerging ecological realities, including periodic reviews of fishing holiday schedules and resource conservation measures based on contemporary biomass assessments.
He also stressed that climate adaptation and mitigation require collective action involving governments, researchers, industries and communities. Environmental considerations, he said, must be integrated into policy decisions, technological innovations and production systems to ensure sustainable development.
Earlier, Marine Mechanical Engineer Balanayak of FSI welcomed participants and underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in environmental conservation. Fisheries Scientist Dr. C. Babu highlighted the close relationship between healthy marine ecosystems and sustainable fisheries production.
Around 40 participants attended the programme, including representatives from NIOT, NGOs, fishermen and students from Pondicherry University. The event concluded with an interactive discussion where participants raised concerns and sought expert views on the future of fisheries resources under changing environmental conditions.
Experts agreed that while climate change poses significant challenges, timely scientific interventions and sustainable management practices can help strengthen the resilience of fisheries and coastal communities in the years ahead.
