Climate Change Forces Shift in Capelin Distribution Across Northern Waters
Climate Change Forces Shift in Capelin Distribution Across Northern Waters The Fishing Daily
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New research shows climate change driving shift in capelin distribution in Iceland-East Greenland-Jan Mayen Region
Introduction
New research led by Warsha Singh and her team examines the impact of climate change on the distribution of capelin (Mallotus villosus) in the Iceland-East Greenland-Jan Mayen (IEGJM) region. Capelin is a vital species in the Arctic ecosystem, and understanding the environmental factors behind its distributional shifts is crucial for sustainable development.
Key Findings
- Shift in Distribution: The study reveals a clear geographic shift of capelin feeding grounds from north of Iceland to the east coast of Greenland starting in the early 2000s. This change has been linked to rising sea temperatures and increased salinity.
- Impact on Migration: Capelin migration patterns have been affected, with delayed arrivals observed in the waters north of Iceland during the spawning season. Unfavorable environmental conditions in traditional areas contribute to the northward migration trend seen in other species due to climate change.
- Modelling Environmental Influences: Three species distribution models (GAMs, RF, and SVM) were used to predict capelin distribution patterns before and after the shift (1993–2002 and 2003–2019). Temperature and salinity were identified as key environmental factors influencing these distributional changes.
- Implications for Ecosystems and Fisheries: The capelin’s shift in distribution could have cascading effects on marine ecosystems and the fishing industry. Disruptions in the food chain and challenges in locating capelin could impact Arctic predators and the local economy.
Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The findings of this study align with several SDGs, including:
- SDG 13: Climate Action – The research highlights the impact of climate change on capelin distribution and emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring and adaptive management strategies to mitigate these effects.
- SDG 14: Life Below Water – Understanding the ecological balance of the Arctic ecosystem and its dependence on capelin is crucial for preserving marine biodiversity and sustainable fisheries.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – The study emphasizes the importance of studying how climate change affects marine species and their habitats, contributing to the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – This research was supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in addressing climate change and its impacts on marine ecosystems.
This research underscores the urgent need for continued monitoring and adaptation in fisheries management strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on capelin and the Arctic ecosystem. By aligning with the SDGs, stakeholders can work together to achieve sustainable development and preserve the Arctic’s unique biodiversity.
Image: Climate driven response of the Iceland-East Greenland-JanMayen capelin distribution
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
The article discusses how climate change is driving a shift in capelin distribution in the Iceland-East Greenland-Jan Mayen region. This issue is directly related to SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Additionally, the article mentions the potential disruption to the Arctic ecosystem and the fishing industry, highlighting the importance of SDG 14, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters
- SDG 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning
- SDG 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience
- SDG 14.4: By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans
Based on the article’s content, the targets mentioned above are relevant. The need to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters is highlighted by the shift in capelin distribution caused by climate change. The importance of education, awareness-raising, and capacity building on climate change mitigation and adaptation is emphasized in the context of ongoing monitoring and adaptive management strategies. Additionally, the article mentions the potential adverse impacts on marine ecosystems and the fishing industry, emphasizing the need to sustainably manage and protect these ecosystems and implement science-based management plans.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population
- Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula
- Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches
- Indicator 14.4.1: Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels
The article does not explicitly mention these indicators, but they can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. For example, the number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to climate-related hazards can be used as an indicator for target 13.1. The integration of climate change education into curricula can be measured using indicator 13.3.1. The proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches can be used as an indicator for target 14.2.1. Lastly, the proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels can be measured using indicator 14.4.1.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters | 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning | 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula |
| 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience | 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches | |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | 14.4: By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans | 14.4.1: Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels |
Source: thefishingdaily.com
