Climate change and emerging transboundary fish stocks in North America

Climate change is shifting the distribution of fish stocks towards areas with cooler environment, generally in higher latitude or deeper water. Such shifts threaten to increase the amount of conflict over resources as stocks move freely in ocean waters crossing human-made management boundaries. Anticipating these shifts can help identify appropriate mechanisms of joint-management and contribute to the sustainability of fisheries under climate change. Therefore, I pretend to use mathematical models to project changes in fish distribution and explore the possible rise of new transboundary stocks. More specifically, I will determine the number of stocks that would become transboundary under climate change; when will these changes occur; and in what order of magnitude. Results for this research will support countries in anticipating changes in fish catch as well as the appearance of new stocks. Identifying shifting species and the mechanisms by which countries can be more effectively in joint-managing transboundary stocks can improve sustainability and prevent conflict between nations over fishing resources.

Faculty Supervisor:

William Cheung

Student:

Partner:

Universidade de Vigo

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Education

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: