Perceptions of Climate Change Impacts on Small-Scale Fisheries in Gabes Governorate (Tunisia, Central Mediterranean)

Evidence from Structured Surveys

Abstract

Small-scale fisheries in the Mediterranean face significant risks from climate change, but the views of local fishers are not always well represented in scientific research. This study examines how coastal fishers in Gabes Governorate (Tunisia), perceive and experience climate change. This region is located in the center of the Gulf of Gabes, one of the Mediterranean’s most important and threatened coastal areas. The research involved 55 structured surveys conducted from May to September 2024 at three landing sites: Gabes, Ghannouch, and Zarat.

All respondents were aware of climate-related environmental issues, and 96% had personally seen changes in weather or sea conditions. The rise in sea surface temperature was the most commonly noted factor affecting ecosystems, with 75% of fishers reporting it (mean perceived intensity = 0.60 on a 0-1 scale), followed by sea level rise at 44% and ocean acidification (bleaching of Posidonia seagrass beds and the weakening of shellfish) at 29%. In addition, 93% of fishers reported declines in fish stocks and changes in fish behavior. Furthermore, 82% noted the deterioration of seagrass and Posidonia meadows, which are crucial nursery habitats. One serious threat to small-scale fisheries is biological invasions caused by warming seas. Fishers frequently mentioned the non-native portunid crabs Portunus segnis and Callinectes sapidus as well as the Mediterranean native jellyfish blooms (Pelagia noctiluca), as causing damage, competition, and loss of revenue.

Economic losses from lower catches affected 80% of fishers, while 93% reported damage from extreme weather events. Adaptation efforts included spontaneously using crab traps to target invasive species and expanding fishing areas. These findings offer important evidence for climate-informed management of fisheries in the Gulf of Gabes and highlight the importance of including fishers' ecological knowledge in assessing and managing fish stocks.