How fish farmers in the Mediterranean adapt to climate change

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🗞️ Driving the news: Mediterranean fish farmers are adapting to climate change as rising sea temperatures and lower oxygen levels impact aquaculture
• In Greece, fish farms are moving offshore to cooler waters and reducing stocking densities to improve oxygen flow and fish health
• New techniques, including larger net holes and altered feeding schedules, are also being implemented to cope with these changing conditions

🔭 The context: The Mediterranean experienced record-high sea temperatures in 2024, with some areas surpassing 30°C, far above the typical 26-27°C
• These changes are affecting fish growth and increasing disease risks, prompting farms to adopt innovative practices
• Research by the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research is studying how fish respond to different temperature conditions to help farmers adapt

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Climate change is threatening global food security, and aquaculture is particularly vulnerable as warming waters affect marine ecosystems
• Sustainable adaptation strategies for fish farming are essential to maintaining fish stocks and biodiversity
• Such measures could serve as a model for other regions facing similar climate impacts

⏭️ What's next: Ongoing research aims to develop predictive tools to help farmers optimize conditions based on future climate scenarios
• European initiatives like the Climefish project are focusing on providing robust data and decision-making support to better manage aquaculture under changing climate conditions
• Long-term strategies will likely involve technological innovation and continued offshore expansion

💬 One quote: “At 33-34°C there is an almost complete psychological collapse and the fish are not able to grow and not consume anything” — Nikos Papandroulakis, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research

📈 One stat: In September 2024, Mediterranean sea surface temperatures were 0.7°C above the 1991-2020 average, marking the second warmest September globally

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