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The aim of this policy brief is to: alert Pacific island countries and territories (PICTs) to the projected effects of climate change on the contributions that oceanic fisheries make to economic development and government revenue and identify the adaptations and policies needed to reduce the threats and capitalise on the opportunities.

This publication includes: i) a summary of the technical presentations provided to the Workshop participants on the implications of climate change for Pacific fisheries and aquaculture; and ii) the outcomes of discussions by participants on the priority adaptations that Pacific island countries and territories (PICTs) can implement to reduce risks and take advantage of opportunities. The Workshop was hosted by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) as the culmination of 3.5 years of work to assess the vulnerability of Pacific fisheries and aquaculture to climate change.

Currently some 13% of the world’s terrestrial surface and 4% of marine areas (0-200 nautical miles) under national jurisdiction is protected. These areas serve to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystem goods and services. However, it is well known that they face multiple drivers of change and threats that contribute to their decline and degradation. As our conceptions of the roles and functions of protected areas evolve over the coming decade, we expect that corresponding adjustments in policy will allow protected areas to continue contributing to livelihoods and cultural practices, generating tourism revenues, bolstering local and national economies, mitigating and adapting to climate change, and providing habitat for populations and species.

Forum leaders have directed the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) to assist in improving Forum Island Countries' (FICs) access to and management of climate change resources. The assessment framework presented in this report is part of several initiatives being coordinated and/or supported by PIFS in response to this direction.

Nile tilapia (oreochromis niloticus) is an introduced low-value freshwater fish in the Pacific which can easily adapt to a wide variety of breeding environments. However, this fresh water fish has limited scope for consumption in the fresh form in Pacific Island countries like Fiji, Samoa and Tonga. Tilapia could be used to alleviate food security issues in light of the increasing fishing pressure and climate change threats

Ethical Adaptation to Climate Change