This study conducted an online survey among commercial fishers in Canada's Pacific region, revealing significant concern for climate change and its impacts on their livelihoods and well-being. The findings emphasize the need for inclusive and transparent adaptation planning that addresses social dimensions and considers the concepts of distributive and procedural justice. Effective and equitable responses to climate change in fisheries require a comprehensive understanding of ecological, social, and institutional factors to facilitate successful adaptation.

As front-line workers for the fisheries sector, harvesters’ perspectives and input are crucial to identifying priority areas for responding to the most urgent concerns related to climate change and fisheries. They are also valuable for developing effective strategies for bolstering resilience and the ability to respond to multiple challenges and emerging opportunities.

The report and research were led by Nature United and a collaborative team of partners and supporters including Jim McIsaac of the TBuck Suzuki Foundation. 

Both the report version, and the article published in Ecology and Society are available below. 

Published article: Commercial fisher perceptions illuminate a need for social justice considerations in navigating climate change impacts on fisheries systems (2023) 

Report: Fishing for Solutions: Harvester perceptions of climate change vulnerability in Canada's Pacific fisheries (2022)