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El Nino Threatens Indian Oil Sardine Stocks by 2027
12 Jul
Summary
- El Nino event to cause marine heatwaves impacting oil sardine.
- Indian oil sardine availability may significantly decline by 2027.
- Warming oceans could also lead to coral bleaching and species loss.
An anticipated El Nino event is poised to trigger severe marine heatwaves, posing a significant threat to the availability of Indian oil sardines. The ICAR-Central Marine Research Institute (CMFRI) forecasts that the warming associated with El Nino, expected to peak between October and December, will impact the northern Indian Ocean by April-May 2027.
While oil sardine stocks are currently abundant, they are projected to be affected in 2027 if the predicted ocean warming materializes. Small pelagic fish species, especially oil sardines, are highly vulnerable to heatwaves and ocean warming. This phenomenon could lead to a reduction in the total marine fish production.
Furthermore, sustained warming conditions are likely to adversely affect coral reefs, resulting in widespread coral bleaching. This, in turn, could diminish the natural abundance of reef-associated species, such as red snapper. CMFRI intends to provide advisories to fishermen and fish farmers regarding the El Nino impact starting this year.
CMFRI also highlighted that rapid salinity fluctuations, caused by sudden rainfall following prolonged high temperatures and salinity, could disrupt coastal aquaculture. Continuous monitoring of ocean conditions and adaptive management strategies are crucial to mitigate the impact of these climate-driven changes on marine resources and the livelihoods dependent on them.
