International Journal of Aquaculture, 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 195-210 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ija 195 Research Insight Open Access The Role of Digital Technologies in Supporting Climate Change Adaptation in Fisheries and Aquaculture Durdarshi Juggoo , Pierre Olivier St Flour School of Sustainable Development and Tourism, University of Technology, Mauritius Corresponding author: anoopjuggoo@yahoo.com International Journal of Aquaculture, 2024, Vol.14, No.4 doi: 10.5376/ija.2024.14.0020 Received: 22 May, 2023 Accepted: 09 Jul., 2024 Published: 26 Jul., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Juggoo and St Flour, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Juggoo D., and St Flour P.O., 2024, The role of digital technologies in supporting climate change adaptation in fisheries and aquaculture, International Journal of Aquaculture, 14(4): 195-210 (doi: 10.5376/ija.2024.14.0020) Abstract The Indeed, future climate change needs calls for action since its effects are seen. The impacts of climate change seen over the years may include rising mean temperatures, sea level rise, explosive intensification of cyclones, irregular precipitation patterns, soil and beach erosion and the exponential increase in extreme weather conditions. One of the main focuses that has retained international attention is unequivocally the food crisis. Fisheries and aquaculture have long been the source of food for many nations across the world where the impacts of climate change compelled resilient measures. Evidence has been seen in regions such as Bangladesh and Africa where climate change has highly affected fisheries and aquaculture. One of the exacerbations of climate change would be the rising temperatures. It has also been observed that temperature has a direct impact on the physiological development of fish and shellfish. This report demonstrated the paramount of studies available to address climate change and the role of digital technology as an adaptation strategy. Results were further classified into 4 distinct areas such as Internet of Things (IoT)-Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Blockchain, Genetics, Geographical Information Systems and Digital technology-business models. Research permitted the discovery of several tools and technologies adapted to increase production amidst coercive climatic conditions. It has been noted that this sector was very keen to adopt new digital technologies to improve production. It followed that genetically strengthened fish species could adapt to areas where the impacts of climate change are very harsh and survival rates for species are very low. Research has been done on innovative digital technologies, but are seemingly under review, where fish cages or aqua pods could provide additional support for fish production. Digital technologies enhance aquaculture operations by providing real-time water quality and fish health monitoring, increasing efficiency, enhancing decision-making, detecting diseases early and promoting sustainability. They streamline processes, reduce labour costs, and optimize resource use, ultimately leading to better fish health and reduced antibiotic use. Nevertheless, challenges in aquaculture adaptation strategies, include data management, cybersecurity, cost, accessibility, skills training, and regulatory framework adaptation. These challenges can compromise data and operations, limit access to digital technologies, and require skill training for aquaculture operators. Addressing these challenges is crucial for realizing their benefits. It has been concluded through this study that aquaculture and fisheries industries have very promising futures. The digital technologies involved in improving production are no less to evolve further. The use of machinery and tools is next to step into another hi-tech age where industry 5.0 is cited as the coming future. Connecting the transregional, national and international innovations are key successes to the fisheries and aquaculture sector. Keywords Climate change; Digital technologies; Fishery; Aquaculture; Adaptation; Mitigation 1 Introduction From the Sixth Assessment Report of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2021), it was highlighted that the effects of rising temperatures that followed from the acceleration of global warming would be irreversible. Alongside issues about climate change, there is also the issue of food security. The Food and Agricultural Organization (F.A.O., 2022) has brought its inputs and has aided global climate debates on fisheries and aquaculture. Advances from global climate debates have recognized the need for greater and accelerated initiatives for fisheries and aquaculture to mitigate the effects of climate change and adapt to them. According to the United Nations 2014, more than 3 billion people worldwide rely on seafood as a major source of nutrition and a significant source of income.
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