Anticipated Effects of Climate Change on Commerical Pelagic and Artisanal Coastal Fisheries in the Federated States of Micronesia

Abstract

The Federated States of Micronesia have two distinct fisheries sectors. Foreign offshore commercial corporations dominate the profitable Pacific long-line tuna fisheries, while the local community fishes along the inshore reefs and lagoons. Modern coastal zone and marine resource management preservation tactics do not take into account community perceptions of reef ownership and indigenous fishing rights, nor do they address traditional solutions for monitoring resources. Practical adaptive measures must consider the needs and culture of the local Micronesian population. Accelerated sea-level rise and erosion run-off from possible increased precipitation due to climate change will probably affect marine ecosystems and sustainability of fish catches. Pelagic fisheries are vulnerable to climate change because changes in sea-surface temperature and ocean circulation patterns will inevitably affect migratory patterns of straddling fish stocks. Pacific Ocean fisheries are vulnerable to climate change in many ways. Adaptive measures may be crucial in planning for economic survival.