Book: The CNMI’s coral reef fisheries under threat

The Northern Mariana Islands’ coral reef fisheries are under threat from climate change but there are options for sustaining food resources through tuna and aquaculture.

A new book Vulnerability of Tropical Pacific Fisheries and Aquaculture to Climate Change claims there will be winners and losers from climate change, and the way Pacific governments react and adapt will be vital.

The book was published by Secretariat of the Pacific Community and was launched at the Conference of the Pacific Community in Noumea yesterday by James Batley, deputy director General of AusAID.

Dr. Johann Bell, a principal fisheries scientist with SPC’s Strategic Engagement, Policy and Planning Facility and one of the book’s three editors, says the threats for the Northern Mariana Islands are greatest for people who will continue to depend on coral reef fisheries.

“Higher sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and loss of important habitats like coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves and intertidal flats are expected to have a dramatic impact on the fish and shellfish that support many coastal communities,” Bell said. “Coral reefs are very likely to suffer a lot of damage due to the changing climate, and coastal communities will have to find new sources of food.”

He says the good news is that the Northern Marianas Islands has options—tuna catches are expected to increase in the waters surrounding the territory with climate change.

“As coral reefs decline, communities can transfer some of their fishing effort to tuna by using inshore fish aggregating devices,” Bell said. “Higher rainfall levels are also expected to provide new opportunities to grow freshwater fish in ponds.”

Arnold Palacios, director of the Northern Mariana Island’s Division of Fish and Wildlife, said the Northern Mariana Islands were already taking steps to counter the expected effects of population growth and climate change on food security.

SPC Director-General Dr. Jimmie Rogers said the book is the most comprehensive analysis of the impact of climate change on Pacific fisheries and aquaculture, and the ecosystems that underpin these vital activities.

“The reality is that there will be countries in the Pacific with increased populations and fewer fish to eat. We ignore the book at our peril because it contains sound scientific analyses, hard-hitting key messages and policy options,” he said. “It gives Pacific leaders the opportunity to look 20 years ahead and plan for the future.”

Bell says the final chapter in the book sets out ways that the Pacific nations can adapt to the new circumstances. These include installing more fish aggregating devices to attract tuna closer to shore, encouraging some communities to grow fish in freshwater ponds, and improving management of mining and forestry industries to prevent sediments and nutrients from spoiling fish habitat.

Vulnerability of Tropical Pacific Fisheries and Aquaculture to Climate Change was edited by Johann Bell, Johanna Johnson and Alistair Hobday, with the support of the Australian Agency for International Development, AusAID. It includes contributions from 88 international scientists and took three and a half years to bring together.

The book will be accompanied by a summary for Pacific Island countries and territories designed to provide easy access to the main findings for policy makers and other stakeholders. [I](SPC)[/I]