Uncertainties concerning the impacts of climate change on Canadian fisheries, and potential adaptation options, are numerous. Marine ecosystems are extremely complex, and further research is needed to improve understanding of both the underlying processes affecting fish biodiversity, distribution and abundance, and their response to climate change. For instance, a stronger understanding of the relationships between aquatic habitat and fish populations, as well as the linkages between climate parameters and aquatic habitat is required. Although freshwater ecosystems tend to be better understood than marine environments, there remain many uncertainties. Adaptation, though not a new concept for the fisheries sector, needs to be more thoroughly examined in the context of climate change and current regulatory regimes. Emerging issues, including interjurisdictional resource management within a changing climate, need to be addressed and results should be incorporated into domestic licensing policies and international treaties (e.g., references 2, 103). Some key recommendations, as identified in the studies referenced in this chapter, include the following:

Impacts

1. Improved monitoring and prediction of the impacts of climate change on species and ecosystems
2. Research on the impacts of rapid climate change and extreme events on the fisheries sector
3. Improved incorporation of local knowledge into impact assessments
4. Research focusing on impacts of changes in ocean conditions, such as ocean circulation and sea ice, on fish
5. Studies that address the socio-economic consequences of climate change for marine and freshwater fisheries

Adaptation

1. Methodologies for improving communication and collaboration between scientists, policy-makers and stakeholders
2. Investigations into the best methods to increase the resilience of fishery systems and improve their ability to respond to change
3. Studies on the role of aquaculture in adapting to climate change
4. Development of adaptation models that incorporate the knowledge of scientists, fishery managers and fishers
5. Research targeted to assist the development of policies and programs that will help coastal communities deal with potential fish expansions and contractions