Determination of the effects of climate change on aquaculture and fisheries in the Western Mediterranean Region

This study aims to investigate the perspectives of aquaculture producers and fishers in the Western Mediterranean Region (living in Antalya, Burdur and Isparta provinces) on climate change and the effects of climate change on aquaculture and hunting in the region, and to develop solution proposals. Within the scope of the research purpose, the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of individuals engaged in aquaculture and hunting in the Western Mediterranean Region and their knowledge levels regarding climate change were obtained through a survey technique. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 20.0 program was used in the evaluation of the survey data. According to the research results; aquaculture producers and fishers in the Western Mediterranean Region stated that the negative effects of climate change manifest themselves as drought/thirst/decrease in water levels, and that in order to reduce the negative effects of climate change, natural resources should be protected and the forests that produce drinkable fresh water should be increased. Breeders and hunters are informed about climate change through television programs and social media. Participants stated that water resources (lakes, dams, streams) are/will be the areas most affected by climate change. For this; (1) Water resources in cultivation and hunting areas negatively affected by climate change should be regularly monitored, (2) Sustainable production and hunting techniques resistant to climate change should be developed and implemented, (3) Applications for storing and accumulating water in rural areas (e.g. rainwater harvesting) should be taught to local people, (4) Awareness should be created in the society for the careful and economical use of water resources.