Climate change affecting fisheries wealth: Scientists

Pelagic fish like mackerel, sardine and anchovies are alarmingly disappearing from the Kerala coasts due to ocean warming, marine scientists said today as they warned of the adverse impacts of climate change on fisheries wealth.
The experts, who spoke at a session on Climate Resilient Fisheries held at the International Conference on Blue Economy here, stressed the need for framing strategies for protecting the ocean eco-system and conserving the fishery wealth.
Dr P U Zacharia, a scientist from Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), said, "It's been noticed that pelagic fishes are increasingly migrating from the Kerala coasts to the areas where the sea surface temperature is comparatively low. This has been taking toll on fisheries wealth of the state."

He pointed out that increase in sea surface temperature, excessive growth of algal blooms, coral bleaching and sea-level rise cause destruction of ocean eco-system.
He further said the diatom fragilaria oceanica, an indicator of abundance of Indian oil sardine, was decreasing along the coast.
Dr N R Menon, Dr E Vivekanandan and Dr Ajith Joseph were present at panelists during the discussion.
Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) organised the three-day international conference which concluded today.