Cefas Monthly News: climate change impact on UK fish species, climate change symposium, marine pollution workshop, RV Endeavour event and more

A new paper published by Cefas is helping the UK fishing industry to understand the future impacts of climate change on commercially important fish species across the UK. 

The study, which looked at the projected impacts of climate change on marine habitats for 49 different fish species, is helping fishers to understand which species are likely to be ‘winners’ and see an increase in suitable habitat, and which will be ‘losers’ with a decrease in suitable habitat. 

The latest science on fish habitat ecology will be showcased at this week’s prestigious FSBI 2023 Annual International Symposium, which is being held at the University of Essex.

The event, which has been co-organised by Essex and Cefas, focuses on the theme of fish habitat ecology in a changing climate. See live updates from the symposium on Twitter.

Last week, Cefas welcomed a range of stakeholders from across government, academia and industry to understand more about our Research Vessel, Cefas Endeavour, and the work we conduct in our Weymouth facilities.

Watch a video from the day here.

Last week, a Contingency Plan for Exotic Notifiable and Emerging Diseases of Aquatic Animals in England and Wales was published. The plan outlines how Defra, Welsh Government and its operational partners prepare for and respond to outbreaks of aquatic animal disease.

The UK currently has high aquatic animal health status and is free from the most serious aquatic animal diseases. Cefas’ Fish Health Inspectorate supports this vital work.

Scientists and leaders from across Belize came together at the Water Quality and Marine Pollution Workshop last month in Belize City, to share their ideas and develop next steps to tackle ocean pollution and support a healthy marine environment. 

Cefas’ Ocean Country Partnership Programme team joined the Department of the Environment event to discuss current knowledge and national pollution monitoring solutions.

Blog: how science, partnerships and innovation are key to tackling illegal trade of sharks and rays in Indonesia

Blog: early career scientist interdisciplinary summer school

Podcast: a new Arabic podcast series produced by our Middle East programme on environmental issues in the region.

Upcoming Defra events: several fisheries management events taking place in August

Each month we shine the spotlight on the work of a current member of Cefas staff. This month we hear from Elena Couce. Elena was joint first author of the paper on the ‘winners’ and ‘losers’ of future climate change on UK fish species.

"I was working in the university before coming to Cefas, doing computer models to study the impact of climate change on the world’s coral reefs. Compared to that, my work now is much more varied. Instead of working on just one thing, these days I am normally working on 5 or 6 projects at once, all with different people. I have been able to continue my previous work but most of my time is spent on other topics, such as the factors driving marine biodiversity and the response of fish and benthic organisms to fishing pressure and rising temperatures. I really love the variety and being able to work with so many different people, I find it really nurtures creativity."

Elena Couce - Senior Quantitative Ecologist