"We depend on the oceans---for food, jobs, recreation and solace. Ocean currents circulate the energy and water that regulate the earth's climate and weather and thus affect many aspects of the human experience, whether we live on the nation's coasts or its heartland" (Pew).

Climate Change 

       Over  Over the past century or soand a half, the earth has seen a significant rise in average global temperatures. Studies show that average surface temperatures have been rising at a rate of approximately 0.1°C/decade, which is significant when compared to estimates of historical values (IPCC, 2001). Whether this temperature change is primarily a result of anthropogenic influences such as the emission of greenhouse gases, or of natural fluctuations in climate, global warming will have a profound effect upon the oceans and should therefore be of great concern to anyone with a stake in global fisheries. It is also very likely that global warming will accelerate in the near future due to positive feedback mechanisms (IPCC, 2001). Climate change is somewhat difficult to monitor, and even more difficult to predict accurately. Despite this, research on current systems as well as research into past global warming events provides us with an idea of what can be expected in future years.  Through knowledge of the general trends of climate change, an understanding of their effects on fisheries can begin to be developed.

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Another adverse effect from global warming is coral bleaching. When corals are stressed by high water temperatures or other effects, they expel their symbiotic zooxanthelle from their tissues.  This process deprives corals of the color, as well of their primary source of nutrition.  If corals are without their symbionts for too long they can perish from starvation.  The impact of coral death can spread through the reef ecosystem.  Secondary effects are most obvious in fish, especially among those that feed specifically on corals, such as butterfly fish. These fish were gradually starving to death and the decline in numbers indicated they had also failed to breed in the months and years following the destruction of their reef.  As it stands today, more than 30% of coral reefs throughout the world are already severely degraded and up to 60% of corals may be lost by 2030 due to high- temperature induced bleaching (ARC, 2007).

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