Climate Change and the Prevalence of Parasitic Diseases in Coastal and Marine Fisheries: Risks to Food Security in Africa

Climate change has a major influence on ecological and environmental changes, with a significant impact on coastal and marine fisheries. One of the less assessed but increasingly important effects of climate change is its impact on the prevalence and distribution of parasitic diseases in aquatic ecosystems, and its associated risks to food security. Utilizing a narrative literature review approach, this chapter examines how rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and salinity changes influence parasite–host dynamics, fish health, and fisheries productivity, with a focus on Africa. Relevant peer-reviewed studies published between 2013 and 2025 were sourced from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, complemented by gray literature from FAO and related organizations. Evidence indicates that climate change accelerates parasite development, alters their geographic distribution, and increases infection risks, leading to reduced fish growth, survival, and availability. These effects heighten food insecurity, especially for vulnerable coastal communities dependent on fish protein. This review identifies critical research gaps and advocates adaptive interventions, including strengthened monitoring systems, climate-resilient aquaculture, ecosystem-based fisheries management, livelihood diversification, and focused research on parasite–host ecology to safeguard fisheries and promote sustainable food systems across Africa.