Economic and labour market implications of climate change on the fisheries sector of the Maltese Islands

Abstract

Climate change has been predicted to have large and rapid impacts on the Mediterranean Sea. Impacts of increasing mean annual sea temperatures, more extreme climatic events and changes in oceanographic parameters will a ffect the distribution, productivity and resilience of commercially targeted stocks. This study uses data on the Maltese fi shing industry, collected through the EU fi sheries data collection system by the Government of Malta, to develop our understanding of how climate change may impact the Maltese fi sheries sector. The most important fleet segment contributing to the overall productivity of the Maltese fishing industry, both in terms of total biomass landed and total generated income, was comprised of vessels using hooks in 2009-2011. These vessels mainly used drifting surface longlines to target large pelagic species. In 2011, this

fleet segment accounted for the largest number of full time employment positions, and was the most important

fleet segment in terms of total investment. Available information on species targeted by this fleet segment suggests that the impact of climate change may in fact be positive. However, limited information is available on stock status as well as on the potential impacts of climate change on several important target species such as sword sh, dolphin sh and blue n tuna. In order to ensure the continued competitiveness of the Maltese fishing fleet in light of this uncertain situation, it is suggested that an emphasis is placed on ensuring that the industry is flexible and able to eff ectively market and promote new products as and when they emerge. This could be achieved by developing fi shers' skills accordingly, and placing an emphasis on diversifying activities.