A systematic literature review on adaptation strategies towards climate change impacts among Indigenous fishers

Indigenous fishers are known for their traditional fishing methods and high reliance on ecosystem stability. Climate change poses a formidable challenge to their way of life. Climate change adaptation refers to an adjustment in ecological, social, or economic systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli. Studies are being conducted worldwide on how Indigenous peoples are responding to climate change impacts. The main aim of this study was to develop a systematic literature review (SLR) on how Indigenous fishers adapt to these impacts. RepOrting Standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses (ROSES) were used to guide the present SLR and formulate research questions based on the mnemonic “population, interest, and context” (PICo). From a search in 4 primary databases, 115 potential articles were found and 21 were analyzed. Four studies were conducted in the United States, and others were conducted in Asian, Northern American, and African regions. Five main themes were elaborated: Indigenous knowledge of weather prediction; Indigenous practices; livelihood diversification; technology and infrastructure-based adaptation strategies; and collective action and collaboration. Senior fishers actively used Indigenous knowledge and practices, but the younger generation preferred to use technology (e.g., GPS, satellite data, snowmobiles) in their fishing operations. To sustain their livelihood, some Indigenous fishers rely on alternative jobs (non-fisheries related), use multiple fishing techniques, or catch marine species. The review suggests the need to integrate Indigenous opinions, experiences, and knowledge into climate change-related policy, active involvement of Indigenous fishers in habitat restoration, use of technology, and diversification of livelihood, to combat climate change impacts among Indigenous fishers.

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