Back in the day, the word climate change had no effect on an ordinary man’s life; until then, scientific findings combined with the present phenomenon brought clear, comprehensive evidence to a modern man. Namibia has one of the most productive fishing grounds in the world, based on the Benguela Current System, one of the four eastern boundary upwelling systems in the world (the others are off North West Africa, off California and off Peru). These systems support rich fish populations, which form the basis of the Namibian marine fisheries sector. Climate change refers to the gradual shift in weather patterns over decades to millions of years, affecting specific regions or the entire world. Mariculture is the farming of fish or marine species for food or income. The concept of climate change, more commonly known as “global warming” or “anthropogenic global warming”, has both direct and indirect impacts on marine species that are exploited commercially, both nationally and beyond national borders, for food security and income generation. Direct effects impact physiology, behaviour, growth, reproduction, mortality, and distribution, while indirect effects alter marine ecosystem productivity, structure, and composition vital for cultivated species’ food sources. Human emissions of carbon dioxide and gases are changing Earth’s climate, affecting oceans, ecosystems, temperatures, rainfall, sea levels, acidity, wind patterns, and cyclone strength. Fish farmers and coastal residents face unstable livelihoods, less fish, and higher health and safety risks. Many communities are already vulnerable due to poverty, lacking social services and infrastructure.
The fragility of these communities worsens due to overexploited fisheries and degraded ecosystems. Climate change significantly affects food security and livelihoods in small island states and countries like Namibia. It alters the distribution and productivity of marine and freshwater species, impacting biological processes and food webs. The precise effects on ecosystems, fisheries, aquaculture, and reliant communities are still uncertain. The following aspects help us understand the link between modern mariculture and ongoing climate change. Changes in species abundance can have direct and indirect economic and social effects. Potential effects of climate change on fish harvests include:
1) Climate change is likely to reduce the abundance of some species while increasing the abundance of others.
2) Changes in harvests. As the abundance of a species changes, fishermen will catch more or fewer fish either
3) Changes in fishing and processing employment. Changes in harvests affect employment opportunities in fish harvesting and processing industries.
4) Changes in prices. Fisheries markets are highly sensitive to supply. Changes in harvests tend to have opposite effects on prices,
5) Social stresses. Changes, particularly reductions, in income and employment may contribute to a wide variety of family and community stresses.
6) Political conflict. Changing relative harvest levels can upset the political balance in agreements over the allocation of mixed-stock fisheries, both nationally and beyond borders. Changes in the physical environment, such as weather and ice conditions, may affect where and when fishing is physically possible as well as the costs of fishing. Modeling is essential for assessing future climate effects. Sarmiento’s study used six AOGCMs to examine model impacts on ocean biology under different emission scenarios from pre-industrial times to 2050 and 2090, versus a control with constant emissions. In Namibia, mariculture is locally accepted, with potential to increase production, thanks to its 1 500 km uninhabited coastline, clean waters, and high natural productivity. Lack of funds, interest from financial institutions, and promotion strategies could hinder growth. Coastal towns like Walvis Bay and Luderitz are vital for marine resources, generating jobs and boosting Namibia’s GDP, as fishing is essential. Namibia has favourable conditions for marine aquaculture, and thus Luderitz is one of the ideal places for the exploitation of economic species such as Oysters, mussels, and abalone. A strategised project needs to be implemented to serve as a catalyst for pinpointing vulnerabilities within the community and identifying strategic mechanisms to strengthen the community and ensure sustainable livelihoods, food security, job creation, and nutrition.
In conclusion, adaptable individuals are essential for environmental adaptation. Climate change in the 21st century could cause catastrophic impacts on marine ecosystems, often unnoticed until after this century. Almost all studies estimate that there will be an increasing adverse impact beyond an approximate 3-4°C increase in global mean temperature.
Continuous observation and analysis are vital for better fisheries and marine ecosystem management. Management advice should include transparent info on risks and uncertainties due to data quality and model gaps. Many marine farmers, advisers, and decision makers know adaptation measures, but political will and action are often missing. This hinders sector development since social, economic, and political spheres are interconnected.
*Reverend Jan A Scholtz is the former chairperson of the //Kharas Regional Council and former! Nami#nus constituency councillor. He holds a Diploma in Theology (B-Theo, SA), a Diploma in Youth Work and Development from the University of Zambia (UNZA), and a Diploma in Education III (KOK) BA (HED) from UNISA.