The environment and climate change have significant implications for fisheries worldwide. Fisheries depend on a healthy and well-functioning marine ecosystem, and any disruptions caused by environmental factors and climate change can have profound effects. Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, changing ocean currents, pollution and coastal development can disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems, leading to shifts in species composition and distribution, as well as potential declines in fish abundance.

MRAG Europe is becoming increasingly engaged in European and global initiatives to identify how fisheries can become more resilient to climate change. Our work includes for example, adapting postharvest activities in the value chain of fisheries and aquaculture to the effects of climate change and mitigating their climate footprint through the reduction of greenhouse gases emissions. With the increasing threat from Abandoned, Lost and Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG), we have examined circular design of fishing gear for reduction of environmental impacts from marine plastics. As alternative sources of renewable energy become more established, we have helped to better understand the effects of European offshore wind farms on fisheries and aquaculture.

Projects

Title Region End Date
Adapting postharvest activities in the value chain of fisheries and aquaculture to the effects of climate change and mitigating their climate footprint through the reduction of greenhouse gases emissions

MRAG Europe, as lead partner of a consortium, has been contracted by CINEA within the…

Europe
Improving environmental sustainability of deep sea fisheries with emphasis on the conservation of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs) Improving environmental sustainability of deep sea fisheries with emphasis on the conservation of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs)

In 2018 the European Commission commissioned a study aiming at providing a…

Europe
Study on ecosystem-based approaches applied to fisheries management under the CFP

Given the complexity of food web interactions, large range of fisheries-species…

Europe
Climate change and the Common Fisheries Policy: adaptation and building resilience to the effects of climate change on fisheries and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases from fishing Climate change and the Common Fisheries Policy: adaptation and building resilience to the effects of climate change on fisheries and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases from fishing

By 31 December 2022 the European Commission will prepare a report on the functioning…

Europe
Image by Andrew Martin from Pixabay A study providing an overview of the effects of offshore wind farms on fisheries and aquaculture

As a consortium partner, MRAG provided an overview of the effects of offshore wind…

Europe
Study on circular design of the fishing gear for reduction of environmental impacts Study on circular design of the fishing gear for reduction of environmental impacts

MRAG was commissioned by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science…

Europe