Insert: USP PEUMP Candidate and lead author of research, Siosaia Vaihola.
[1 August, 2024: Suva, Fiji]: A new study led by USP PEUMP Candidate Siosaia Vaihola, reveals that climate change will significantly impact the distribution and abundance of tuna species in Tonga’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Research, titled Climate Change Potential Impacts on the Tuna Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zones of Tonga is funded by the European Union and the Government of Sweden through the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) programme; and has crucial implications for the sustainable management and conservation of Tonga’s most valuable commercial fisheries.
Below are some key findings of this research:
Shifts in Tuna Distribution: The study uses species distribution modeling to forecast changes in the distribution of albacore, bigeye, skipjack, and yellowfin tuna, under various climate scenarios. Their projections indicate that as sea temperatures rise and ocean conditions shift, the most productive fishing areas for these tuna species are likely to move towards the southern parts of Tonga’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This geographical shift could significantly alter traditional fishing grounds, posing challenges for local fishers and the broader economy.
Impacts on Marine Ecosystems: Rising sea temperatures and changing ocean currents are expected to disrupt marine ecosystems, affecting the availability of prey species that tuna depend on. Additionally, ocean acidification, a direct result of increased CO2 levels, could severely impact tuna larvae, potentially reducing their survival rates and leading to declines in tuna populations. These ecosystem disruptions highlight the intricate link between environmental health and the sustainability of tuna fisheries.
Economic and Environmental Consequences: The potential redistribution of tuna populations could lead to decreased catches in historically productive areas, adversely affecting local fisheries and economies that rely heavily on tuna. The study underscores the necessity for adaptive fisheries management strategies that can respond to these changes. Effective management is crucial to maintaining the economic stability of communities that depend on tuna and ensuring the long-term health of marine ecosystems.
Lead author Siosaia Vaihola explains, “while our models predict an increase in suitable areas for tuna, the actual outcomes will depend on complex environmental interactions. This research highlights the need for adaptive management strategies to ensure the sustainability of tuna fisheries.”
This study is a critical reminder of the far-reaching impacts of climate change on marine resources and livelihoods.
As a result of these findings, the research stresses the need for policymakers, fisheries managers, and the international community to address the challenges posed by climate change. Key recommendations from the study include:
Sustainable Management: The study advocates for the implementation of adaptive management practices to sustainably harvest tuna populations under changing climatic conditions.
Further Research: It calls for more extensive studies incorporating additional environmental variables like dissolved oxygen, mixed layer depth, sea surface height, and chlorophyll-a concentration to refine predictions and aid in effective conservation planning.
“This groundbreaking research provides a vital foundation for the future conservation and management of tuna fisheries in Tonga” said Lavenie Tawake, USP PEUMP Team Leader. “By anticipating the impacts of climate change, Tonga can better prepare for and mitigate potential disruptions to its crucial tuna industry.”
USP is one of four key implementing partners of the PEUMP Programme, a EUR 45million program which promotes sustainable management and sound ocean governance for food security and economic growth while addressing climate change resilience and conservation of marine biodiversity.
It follows a comprehensive approach, integrating issues related to ocean fisheries, coastal fisheries, community development, marine conservation and capacity building under one single regional action. The PEUMP programme is housed within the Institute of Marine Resources within the School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS).
To access the journal: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/15/7/844
Media Contact
Lore Croker, USP PEUMP Communications, lore.croker@usp.ac.fj
