Climate Change Impacts on Inland and Black Sea Marine Fisheries: Risks, Adaptation, and Sustainable Investment Pathways

This paper explores climate adaptation and sustainable investment strategies within the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, with a focus on vulnerable regions such as the Black Sea basin. As climate change intensifies environmental pressures and socioeconomic vulnerabilities, building resilience requires an integrated approach combining localized adaptation, mitigation and strategic investment. The discussion highlights practical adaptation measures for aquaculture communities, including species diversification, climate-resilient infrastructure, ecosystem-based solutions and inclusive governance reforms. Simultaneously, mitigation efforts, such as reducing emissions from feed production and promoting renewable energy, remain essential to long-term sustainability. The paper also outlines five key investment pillars critical for climate-aligned transformation: green infrastructure, cold chain systems, research and extension services, financial risk management, and inclusive public-private partnerships. Emphasis is placed on the importance of blended investment models and enabling legal and policy frameworks that ensure equitable participation and ecosystem restoration. By aligning economic development with ecological limits, sustainable investment in fisheries and aquaculture can serve as a driver of blue growth, biodiversity conservation and community resilience. The findings underscore the urgency of integrated, forward-thinking policies and the value of adaptive, locally informed approaches in advancing climate-resilient food systems.