Consequences for the Seafood Industry and Coastal Economies

The declining fish populations due to climate change could have dire consequences for the global seafood industry, which relies heavily on healthy fish stocks. Fish serve as a primary protein source for approximately 3 billion people, and with the seafood industry valued at $500 billion in 2022, any significant decline in fish availability could lead to increased prices and reduced industry revenue. In countries like India, where a substantial portion of the population depends on fishing for their livelihoods, the impact could ripple through coastal communities that rely on marine resources. With ambitious goals for seafood export growth, the ongoing dominance of prokaryotes and their competition for essential nutrients could jeopardize these economic aspirations.