Climate Change and Fish Genetic Resources: Impact, Status and Perspectives

India’s dynamic fishing sector significantly contributes to the agricultural economy and foreign exchange earnings, with freshwater and marine environments playing pivotal roles. Nonetheless, climate change poses numerous challenges, including escalating temperatures, shifts in rainfall patterns, and intensified extreme weather events, all of which profoundly affect fish populations, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of fishing communities. The reproductive sensitivity of inland fishes was studied to implement conservation management and create strategies for adaptation. Climate resilience aquaculture systems were developed for prioritized fishes from an aquaculture perspective. Insights from genomic analyses and research on climate-resilient species shed light on the genetic mechanisms underpinning adaptation to environmental stressors. Furthermore, adaptation and restoration strategies for riverine fisheries are examined, underscoring the importance of community engagement, policy interventions, and ecosystem-based approaches. Looking forward, further studies are needed to evaluate ecological conditions, prioritize conservation efforts, and formulate climate-resilient adaptation strategies. It underscores the necessity for granular analysis across various spatial scales to guide targeted interventions and bolster the adaptive capacity of India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.