WSU Looks At How Climate Change Could Impact Seafood Industry

New research from Washington State University suggests climate change could make it harder to trust sustainability labels on seafood.  WSU economist Ana Espinola-Arredondo and colleagues found that rising ocean temperatures, stronger storms and changing fish stocks can alter the incentives for commercial fishermen to seek ecolabel certification. 

“When environmental shocks reduce profitability, certification may attract only the most efficient fishers,” Espinola-Arredondo said. In contrast, fisheries that expand into new grounds due to favorable climate change may be tempted to fake certification.

“Highly efficient fishermen are generally better positioned to meet certification requirements,” she stated. “Their advantage may stem from lower abatement costs, access to cleaner technologies, or greater experience, all of which reduce the cost of complying with certification standards.”

Marine Heatwaves Can Disrupt Productivity

Climate change, the research indicates, is altering marine ecosystems.  Marine heatwaves can rapidly disrupt productivity, affect fish stock abundance, and challenge the ability of fisheries to maintain sustainability standards. Some of the changes have expanded fisheries and opened new challenges for certification. 

When environmental conditions hurt profits, certification costs may become harder for smaller or less-efficient fisheries to afford — potentially leaving only the most efficient operators certified.  But the researchers also warn that when climate change creates new fishing opportunities, some operators could be tempted to falsely claim certification.

Stronger Monitoring Will Be Needed Into The Future

The study also found that government subsidies meant to help struggling fisheries could unintentionally make ecolabel fraud easier.  Researchers say stronger monitoring and carefully designed policies will be critical to protecting consumer trust — and ensuring sustainable fishing claims remain credible. 

“This project is a great example of the international research partnerships growing between WSU’s School of Economic Sciences and leading European institutions,” said Raj Khosla, Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. “It highlights the global reach and impact of our scholarly collaborations.”

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