IJA_2024v14n4

International Journal of Aquaculture, 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 221-231 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ija 228 strategies that are resilient to the uncertainties of climate impacts. For example, adaptation strategies for coral reef ecosystems in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have been modeled to integrate local pressures and long-term climate changes, demonstrating the importance of a holistic and systematic understanding of these impacts (Hafezi et al., 2020). Similarly, threshold-based management frameworks have been proposed for freshwater ecosystems to continuously assess and update the susceptibility of ecosystems to climate change, thereby informing policy targets and mitigation measures (Liu et al., 2015). These integrated approaches are crucial for maintaining ecosystem health and the services they provide to society. 7.3 Long-term monitoring and impact assessment Long-term monitoring and impact assessment are vital for understanding the ongoing and future impacts of climate change on aquatic ecosystems. Continuous monitoring allows for the detection of changes in water quality, biodiversity, and ecosystem services, which are essential for timely and effective management interventions. For instance, the impacts of climate change on water-related ecosystem services in the Jianghuai Ecological Economic Zone, China, were assessed using long-term climate and land use scenarios, highlighting the need for sustainable water resource management (Guo et al., 2021). Systematic reviews of adaptation strategies for water quality management have emphasized the importance of long-term strategic measures to address the significant challenges posed by climate change (Bartlett and Dedekorkut-Howes, 2022). These efforts underscore the necessity of sustained monitoring and assessment to inform adaptive management and policy decisions. 8 Concluding Remarks Climate change poses significant threats to aquatic ecosystems, impacting biodiversity, ecosystem services, and the livelihoods dependent on these systems. Marine species are adapting to climate change through shifts in distribution and timing of biological events, although evidence for evolutionary adaptation is limited. Human systems show a focus on adaptation planning frameworks, but there is a scarcity of implemented actions and outcome evaluations. Climate change impacts on water quality are under-researched compared to water availability. Adaptation strategies often employ coping or incremental approaches, which may not be sufficient for future challenges. Integrating climate change adaptation into MPA design and management is crucial. Recommendations include adopting climate-smart management objectives and using dynamic management tools to enhance responsiveness. Coral reef ecosystems, particularly in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), face severe threats from climate change. Integrated modelling approaches can help predict future conditions and the success of adaptation strategies. Adaptation in forest management requires understanding climate impacts on forests and incorporating this knowledge into decision-making. Multi-disciplinary approaches and partnerships are essential for effective adaptation. Australian fisheries face challenges from climate change, with a need for more scientific research to inform adaptation initiatives. The use of existing knowledge in decision-making processes is crucial for sustainable fisheries management. Proactive adaptation strategies are essential to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on aquatic ecosystems. These strategies should be flexible, dynamic, and based on robust scientific evidence. For instance, the integration of climate change adaptation into MPA management can ensure long-term effectiveness in safeguarding marine biodiversity and ecosystem services. Similarly, proactive measures in forest management and fisheries can help maintain ecosystem health and productivity, thereby supporting the livelihoods that depend on these resources. To address the challenges that climate change poses to aquatic ecosystems, the following recommendations are made to policymakers and researchers. Policymakers should integrate climate adaptation into policy and ensure that climate-smart management objectives are incorporated into national and international policies for protected areas and natural resource management. Allocate funding and resources to support research on climate change impacts and adaptation strategies and promote the implementation of these strategies. Encourage multi-level, multi-sector responses to enhance the resilience of social-ecological systems, especially in vulnerable areas such as small island developing States. Researchers should expand the scope of their research and address research

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