Climate Change Impact on Biodiversity of Indigenous Small Fish

Indigenous small fishes (ISFs) play a significant role in sustaining small-scale fisheries, providing livelihoods to millions of people. These naturally occurring fish species are rich in nutrients, particularly calcium and micronutrients. They thrive in rivers and wetlands, contributing significantly to inland capture fish production in India, with over 90% coming from the small-scale fisheries (SSF) sector. SSF makes a substantial contribution to both fish and food production and supports various stages of the fish value chain. ISFs are a vital component of SSF in India, addressing the issue of hidden hunger within fishing communities. Despite their nutritional and livelihood benefits, ISFs are often overlooked in commercial fisheries. Overexploitation, habitat degradation, and anthropogenic factors have led to a decline in ISF catches, especially in freshwater ecosystems like wetlands. Climate change further exacerbates these challenges, affecting aquatic animals and their life cycles. Understanding how climate change impacts ISFs at the species level, particularly in terms of breeding patterns, is essential for their conservation and the preservation of the ecosystems they inhabit. Involving local communities and integrating their traditional knowledge into research can provide a holistic understanding of these issues and potential solutions for mitigation. This collaborative approach can inform adaptive management strategies to ensure the survival and prosperity of ISF populations in a changing environment, ultimately securing the sustainable livelihoods of small-scale fishers.