Abstract

Rising Sea Level (SLR) condition directly impacts coastal systems. SLR condition affects the habitats of coastal systems. SLR conditions arise directly out of climate change. This condition reduces biodiversity and affects the incomes of many people and the dependent population (fishers) in coastal areas. SLR impacts on marine species are driven by habitat loss, changes in salinity, and altered migration patterns. SLR conditions impact lost habitats on critical service marine ecosystems (coral reefs, mangroves, and estuaries). A comprehensive literature review assesses the impacts of SLR on the geopolitical economics of fish stocks lost due to altered distribution, breeding cycles, and migration of fish species. Declining fish stocks increase the vulnerability of coastal populations that depend on them. SLR conditions and the impacts of geo/political economies are discussed. Adaptation through the creation of marine protected areas (MPAs) and the suggested implementation of sustainable fishing practices minimizes the effects. Adaptation is based on SLR conditions and geo/political economics. Fisheries sustainability depends on the health of the fish stock. Protecting marine biodiversity must be the goal. This must also guide the fisheries geo-political economy in being developed under SLR conditions. Geopolitical economic sustainability must also be designed as coastal population vulnerability increases.

Keywords: Sea-level rise, Coastal biodiversity, Fisheries sustainability, Climate change, Ecosystem adaptation, Fisheries management, Coastal ecosystems