CLIM-ECO² project (CLIMate-driven reshaping of Mediterranean fisheries: ECOlogical and ECOnomic assessment)

Anthropogenic climate change is already affecting marine ecosystems worldwide, but it has been shown that some areas will be more affected than others. Among them, the Mediterranean Sea is considered as a hotspot of both climate change and biodiversity. During the 21st century, Mediterranean fisheries may be deeply affected by climate change, which may accelerate the expansion of warm-water fishes and emphasise the decline of colder-water species that will not be able to move to cooler places. Stocks of exploited Mediterranean fish may therefore be significantly altered by global change during the 21^st century. Conversely, other species (e.g non-indigenous species) could expand their range if temperature rises and offer new business opportunities. CLIM-ECO² will provide the first joint ecological and economic assessment of the effects of climate change on Mediterranean fisheries, which will allow countries bordering this sea to better anticipate and adapt to adverse consequences. Understanding how climate change is likely to alter the fisheries income of Mediterranean countries is essential for the future well-being of neighboring populations. The anticipation of climate-induced range shifts in Mediterranean exploited fish aims to predict and minimise the risk of error in long-term investment strategies. Specific recommendations to move toward a basin-scale sustainable management plan of Mediterranean resources in the context of global change will be provided. Set within a context of overexploitation of many of the world’s fisheries, policy makers urgently require information and analysis to guide investments and initiatives in climate change mitigation and adaptation.