This is according to experts who have sounded an alarm, warning that the rise in temperatures could lead to the decrease of fish stocks within the southwest Indian Ocean by 15 to 50 per cent compared to that of 2005.
Food security is becoming a prominent issue in the national, regional and global regions.
On June 14 and 15, seven countries of the southwest Indian Ocean region came together in Nairobi, to discuss the impact of climate change on the small-scale fishing sector.
Fish production in the country is between 150,000 and 300,000 metric tonnes.
In 2019, total fish production was 147,000 metric tonnes valued at $237 million.
Farmed fish production in Kenya would need to reach 150,000 tonnes by 2030 in order to generate enough fish to maintain the low per capita fish consumption.
The two-day consultation brought together decision-makers from various entities, which included Fisheries ministry and researchers from climate change research institutions.
Others are National Focal Points of Eco Fish Programme from Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and Tanzania/Zanzibar.
“The...cooperation is to provide the region and its member countries with the necessary data to measure the extent of climate change impact on the region’s fisheries resources," Indian Ocean Commission secretary general Vêlayoudom Marimoutou
"With this information, we will be able to work together towards identifying appropriate solutions and creating synergies, because climate change is a global issue."
The workshop adopted the report, proposing 17 series of indicators to assess the effects of climate change on fisheries resources in the region.
The indicators include environmental and socioeconomic data, as well as data on governance and climate finance, and provide a comprehensive view of the challenges to be met.
The setting-up of the regional network to assess and mitigate the impact of climate change on small-scale fishing is part of the efforts of ECO FISH Programme.
The programme is promoted and funded by the European Union to make fishing a lever for the development of East Africa, Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean region.
Other agencies that help in the implementation of the programme include the Indian Ocean Commission, Lake Tanganyika Agency and Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation.
Others include Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa , East African Community, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, Southern African Development Community and southwest Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
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