Psychological and social consequences of environmental change on aquatic resource depletion and its impact on fishermen and coastal communities

Abstract

Climate variability, coastal erosion, pollution, and the overexploitation of marine ecosystems have accelerated the depletion of aquatic resources worldwide. The consequences of this depletion for fishermen and coastal communities are tremendous, as marine productivity underpins their livelihoods, cultural identities, and social structures. The paper analyses the psychological and social impacts of deteriorating water resources, stress and anxiety, and intergenerational uncertainty on the livelihoods of fishing families. Social effects include poor community cohesion, economic vulnerability, migration pressures, resource scarcity, and emerging inequalities between traditional fishers and industrialized sectors. The analysis brings together empirical and theoretical insights to show how environmental change intersects with socio-economic systems, forming multifaceted, multidimensional issues. Knowledge of these effects is essential for designing adaptive strategies and building community resilience, as well as for policy interventions aimed at achieving sustainable resource management and protecting vulnerable populations in coastal areas.