Mapping the research landscape and identifying emerging trends in climate change impacts on capture fisheries and fish landing: A scientometric review

Abstract

Climate change poses significant challenges to the sustainability of capture fisheries, a vital component of global food security and nutrition. In this scientometric study, we examine current trends and identify future research directions concerning the impact of climate change on capture fisheries and fish landings. We analyzed 3164 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection database utilizing quantitative metadata analysis and scientometric techniques. Our findings reveal that the United States and Japan are the largest contributors and exert the most influence in this research area. Highly cited articles indicate that climate change has the potential to significantly redistribute global fisheries catch, with up to a 70% shift, particularly affecting high latitude regions and the tropics. Prominent and influential keywords within the knowledge base encompass "climate change-management-impact" and "climate change-small scale fishery-impact. " A cluster analysis of article titles identifies the top three research foci as future trajectories, food security, and small pelagic fish. Through our scientometric investigation, we found that addressing the impacts of climate change on small-scale fisheries and maintaining food security under changing environmental conditions are among the most critical research priorities. By understanding the current research landscape and identifying emerging trends, researchers can better collaborate and address critical questions related to the effects of climate change on capture fisheries and fish landings, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and resilient fisheries management.