Climate change has been predicted to have
large and rapid impacts on the Mediterranean Sea. Impacts
of increasing mean annual sea temperatures, more
extreme climatic events and changes in oceanographic
parameters will a ffect the distribution, productivity and
resilience of commercially targeted stocks. This study
uses data on the Maltese fi shing industry, collected
through the EU fi sheries data collection system by the
Government of Malta, to develop our understanding of
how climate change may impact the Maltese fi sheries
sector. The most important
fleet segment contributing
to the overall productivity of the Maltese fishing industry,
both in terms of total biomass landed and total
generated income, was comprised of vessels using hooks
in 2009-2011. These vessels mainly used drifting surface
longlines to target large pelagic species. In 2011, this
fleet segment accounted for the largest number of full
time employment positions, and was the most important
fleet segment in terms of total investment. Available
information on species targeted by this
fleet segment
suggests that the impact of climate change may in
fact be positive. However, limited information is available
on stock status as well as on the potential impacts
of climate change on several important target species
such as sword sh, dolphin sh and blue n tuna. In order
to ensure the continued competitiveness of the Maltese
fishing
fleet in light of this uncertain situation, it is suggested
that an emphasis is placed on ensuring that the
industry is
flexible and able to eff ectively market and
promote new products as and when they emerge. This
could be achieved by developing fi shers' skills accordingly,
and placing an emphasis on diversifying activities.peer-reviewe