How vulnerable is the European seafood production to climate warming?

Global warming will challenge the sustainability of the European seafood production volume. A combination of data on the European seafood production volume and the ecological characteristics of the main produced species is presented. Main results indicated that the marine sectors (fisheries and aquaculture) are more vulnerable to warming than the freshwater sector. Moreover, seafood production is more vulnerable in Nordic countries marine sector because of high production volume and temperature sensitivity. Changes in species distribution are the main challenge for marine fisheries and their management. However, redistribution of stocks may create new opportunities if countries are able to adapt to changes and if well-functioning management plans are in place. To ensure a sustainable European seafood production, national climate strategies and action plans should include both fisheries and aquaculture and be integrated at a regional level. Future directions and recommendations to an adaptive management of fish stocks and the development of sustainable fish farming.