U.K. probes climate risk to fisheries

EDINBURGH, Scotland, May 9 (UPI) -- London is working on a national plan to respond to the impact that climate change could have on regional fish populations, a minister said.

British Minister for the Marine Environment Richard Benyon said fisheries managers and the fishing industry are facing serious challenges brought on by climate change.

"The government will develop a national adaptation plan in response to the climate change risk assessment in which issues affecting the marine environment will be addressed," he said in a statement.

The World Fisheries Congress in Edinburgh, Scotland, launched a marine climate change report card that assesses the status of the marine environment.

The report card found there were "clear changes" in the spawning and migration patterns of fish because of warming sea temperatures. It added, however, that adaptive technologies in fish farming could help offset some of the disruptions.

Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment Richard Lochhead said fisheries and aquaculture represent more than $1.5 billion to the regional economy.

"Climate change is affecting us all and understanding the impact on the marine environment is hugely important," he said in a statement.