Climate change is already affecting marine ecosystems and the conditions in which fisheries operate. Changes in ocean temperatures, species distribution and the availability of fish stocks are creating new challenges for fishing communities, industry and fisheries management across Europe.
MeCCAM – Measures for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in European Fisheries is a four-year Horizon Europe project working to develop practical solutions that can help the European fisheries sector adapt to climate change while reducing its environmental and climate impact. The project brings together 16 partners from research, industry and policy across nine European countries and works through six regional case studies, from the Northeast Atlantic and North Sea to the Mediterranean.
The project combines scientific research with the experience and knowledge of fishers, industry stakeholders and policymakers. Together, the partners will develop and test solutions related to climate-informed fisheries management, fishing practices and gear, data collection and digital tools, as well as opportunities arising from changes in fish species and distribution. The aim is not only to develop new solutions, but also to ensure that they are practical, transferable and relevant to the people who will use them.
UiT's role
UiT The Arctic University of Norway leads Work Package 5 (WP5), which focuses on developing policy recommendations for climate adaptation and mitigation in European fisheries.
The work brings together knowledge and results from the project's case studies and assessments to identify opportunities and barriers for climate action in the fisheries sector.
WP5 will contribute to the development of climate adaptation and mitigation plans, explore how fisheries can align with emerging European sustainability and reporting frameworks, and develop prototypes for climate-informed fisheries advice. UiT will also contribute to recommendations concerning innovative fishing gear.
Through this work, MeCCAM aims to help strengthen the capacity of European fisheries to respond to a changing climate and support the development of more resilient and sustainable fisheries management.
For more information about the MeCCAM project, its partners, case studies and ongoing activities, visit the official MeCCAM website.
[Loading...]