INCATEMA to prepare a study on climate change and fishing, as part of the Ecofish programme

30 September, 2021

As part of the support provided by Incatema Consulting & Engineering to the ECOFISH programme in the region of East and South Africa and West of the Indian Ocean, over the coming months we will be carrying out a study of the link between climate change and fishing.

The purpose of this study is to cover the lack of empirical and scientific information regarding the socioeconomic and environmental impact of climate change and adverse weather events on coastal maritime fishing in the east and south regions of Africa and in the Indian Ocean. The purpose of the study is to provide a comprehensive bio-ecological and socioeconomic assessment of the principal effects of climate change on small-scale fishing in the countries west of the Indian Ocean.

“In this regard,” points out Ana Romero, Director of Consulting at Incatema Consulting & Engineering, “we must bear in mind that the countries where the ECOFISH programme is implemented are highly vulnerable to climate change, especially the islands.”

There is scientific evidence that global warming could alter the temperature of the oceans’ surface affecting marine life and its biodiversity. According to the United Nations, this would imply a reduction in the variety of species in warmer zones with a huge impact on global fishing and aquaculture, which are fundamental for food safety and adequate nutrition in the world. That is why this study is essential to see how climate change is specifically affecting the Indian ocean, so that on its basis regional policies and measures can be developed to protect the Ocean”.

Policies with a climate angle will favour the sustainable and inclusive management of small-scale economic operators of the fishing sector.

Research into climate-fishing links will help to design policies with a climate perspective resulting in a milestone for the sustainable and inclusive management of small-scale maritime fishing in the region. A preliminary analysis will converge in the creation of a regional observatory to monitor this climate-fishing link, grouping together all relevant actors.

On 30 June 2021, the third semester concluded of our technical assistance which is contemplated to continue until 2024. Among the milestones achieved, we would highlight consolidation of the programme’s integrated management unit, covering all long-term personnel positions, added to the execution of baseline studies concerning the situation of sport fishing and fishing for ornamental purposes. We would also highlight the provision of support to the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation in the preparation of its IV Fisheries Management Plan, or support for the organisation COMESA (Common Market of East and South Africa) in the harmonisation of the satellite accounts of the blue economy and fishing of its member countries, to be completed in the coming month of October).