Saturday, February 23, 2008

UN: Climate Change, Over Fishing Endangers World Fish Stocks

Fish Perish as Climate Change Disrupts Ocean Systems

MONACO, February 22, 2008 (ENS) - Climate change is threatening the world's fish populations, already stressed by pollution, alien infestations and over-exploitation, warns a new report by the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP.

The worst impacts are concentrated in 10 to 15 percent of the oceans, a far greater area than previously believed. These locations are "concurrent with today's most important fishing grounds," the report documents, including the 7.5 percent of the oceans that are the most economically valuable fishing areas of the world.

The findings come in a rapid response report entitled "In Dead Water," which for the first time maps the multiple impacts of these stressors on the seas and oceans. More >>>