(Pour plus d'informations en français, cliquez ici)

(Para obtener información en español, haga clic aquí)

A virtual workshop organised by the NWWAC Focus Group Climate & Environment.

Oceans and coastal ecosystems play an important role in the global carbon cycle. Healthy ocean ecosystems are essential for the mitigation of climate change, and rising ocean temperatures as well as ocean acidification mean that the capacity of the ocean carbon sink will gradually get weaker.

The impact of climate change on ocean systems also affect sustainable fisheries, both globally and in the North Western Waters. Over the past 40 years, the Celtic Seas ecoregion has experienced significant changes with further increases in sea temperature expected over the coming decades. This can lead to changes in stock distribution and abundance which will need to be addressed and reflected in fisheries management. Challenges facing the fishing industry will need to be met by mitigation and adaptation measures, for example increasingly flexible and adaptive management, to ensure the future viability of the fleets. However, the fishing sector can also contribute actively take steps to address its own impact on climate for example by reducing its carbon footprint.

The aim of the workshop is to provide an overview of the challenges related to climate change to fisheries in the North Western Waters, examine potential mitigation and adaptation strategies, action which can be taken by the fleets and/or vessels, and submit advice to the European Commission (and the Members States) identifying the need for increased focus on flexible and adaptive fisheries management strategies including specific tools and mechanisms in support of the fleets in the North Western Waters.

Event languages: English, French, Spanish, simultaneous interpretation provided.

For more information, please visit our website nwwac.org.