Artisanal fisheries, climate change and knowledge for adaptation

Climate change and its associated adverse effects significantly impact communities whose livelihoods are closely tied to natural resources, such as land, water, and forests. Artisanal fisheries are an illustrative example of the profound consequences of the socio-ecological changes that are brought about by climate change, despite receiving limited attention within academic research (Mills, 2018; Otero et al., 2022).

Biodiversity loss, evolving environmental policies and socioeconomic shifts compel artisanal fisheries to make critical decisions regarding adaptation strategies, whether through collective action or individual efforts, employing low-technology solutions or investing in high-tech innovations, drawing upon traditional fishing knowledge or acquiring new techniques, or ultimately abandoning fishing altogether (Ojea et al., 2020).

Understanding the multifaceted impact of climate change on artisanal fisheries and their experiences with technology and knowledge in the context of adaptation involves close-up research and global perspecticves, and the inclusion a diverse set of actors.

Fostering dialogue

We aim to foster genuine dialogue between experienced and emerging scholars, bridging social and natural sciences, and by including representatives from artisinal fisheries movements and policy makers/advisors. .

The workshop discuss temporal and spatial variations in the experiences of artisanal fisheries and identify commonalities, ultimately contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of this issue.

This gathering seeks to facilitate an exchange between early career scholars, (encompassing PhD candidates and Postdocs), alongside established academics specializing in the social and political dimensions of fisheries, climate change, and existing knowledge and technologies pivotal for adaptation, particularly within the context of the Global South.

Programme

11:00: Arrival and welcome
11:30 – 13:00: Panel discussion with early-career researchers
13:00-14:00: Lunch break
14:00 – 15:30: Plenary session with senior researchers
15:30 – 16:00: Coffee break
16:00 – 17:30: Roundtable discussion
17:30 – 18:30: Drinks and informal discussions 

Download the programme for the full list of speakers

The first half of the workshop will consist of a panel discussion centred around artisanal fisheries, knowledge and technology in the context of climate change adaptation. Early career researchers will share their ongoing research projects and receive constructive feedback from their peers and established scholars.

The second half of the event will feature a plenary session with senior researchers based on in-depth studies. This session will revolve around the multifaceted knowledge about socio-ecological changes, their far-reaching implications for artisanal fisheries and the individual/collective ways in which fishers respond.

The last part of the event will consist of a roundtable with representatives from various disciplines and from beyond academics.