Why Climate Change Affects Squid Harvesting

Ocean Currents and Climate Pattern Changes

1. Intensified El Niño/La Niña Events: Climate change may lead to more frequent or intense El Niño or La Niña events. These events alter major ocean currents and upwelling systems.

2. Impact on the Fishing Industry:

• Severe Fluctuations in Catch: For example, in strong El Niño years, abnormally high water temperatures in the eastern Pacific can lead to a sharp decline in squid populations in important fishing grounds such as off the coast of Peru.
• Changes in Upwelling: Upwelling brings nutrients from the seabed to the surface, creating highly productive fishing grounds. Climate change may alter the location and intensity of upwelling, thereby shifting or weakening squid habitats.

Water Temperature Changes: Changes in Distribution and Migration Routes

1. Migration to the North/Polar Regions: Squid are poikilothermic animals, and their metabolism, growth, and reproduction are highly dependent on water temperature. With global ocean warming, many squid species are migrating towards the poles, into colder, deeper waters.

2. Impact on the fishing industry:

• Fishing ground shifts: Traditional squid fishing grounds may become less abundant, while new fishing grounds emerge in northern or southern waters. This forces fishing fleets to travel longer distances, increasing fuel costs and operational risks.
• Sovereignty and jurisdiction disputes: Migrating fishing grounds may cross different countries' exclusive economic zones or high seas, triggering disputes between nations over the allocation and management of fisheries resources.
• Seasonal disruption: Squid spawning and feeding times are closely related to specific water temperatures. Abnormal water temperatures can alter the timing of their life cycle events, making traditional fishing seasons unstable or unpredictable.