The Role of Adaptive Capacity in Enhancing Climate-Resilient Fisheries

Changing ocean conditions as a result of climate change, influence multiple components of fisheries management in the U.S. In order for fisheries to persist long-term, and provide similar ecological, social, and economic outcomes as they do now, there is a need to incorporate information that will increase the fishery’s capacity to adapt to these changing conditions. While concepts of adaptive capacity are well studied, they remain abstract in their application, and previous research has not yet led to appreciable changes in fisheries decision-making. Thus, there is a need to jointly identify these components with scientists, decision-makers, and stakeholders.

In this project, Dr. Tim Essington, University of Washington, and a team of researchers will conduct interviews and surveys with key managers and stakeholders to better understand what barriers and opportunities exist in enhancing adaptive capacity in fisheries. The findings will help clarify the concepts and methods for adaptive capacity and elucidate how it can fit into policy and management.