Recent events and climate change impacts related to the environment, ecosystem, and fishery resources in northern Japanese coastal lagoons

Abstract

Climate change has profoundly affected coastal environments, ecosystems, and fishery resources. Located in northern Japan, eastern Hokkaido presents many brackish lagoons, a rich natural environment, and a substantial fishing and aquaculture industry. However, in recent years, weather phenomena, such as high temperatures and heavy rainfall, have affected coastal areas. Identifying the impacts of climate change is essential when determining measures to mitigate its local effects. Here, we compared the environmental changes and observed and reported events in six subarctic lagoons in eastern Hokkaido, Japan. Meteorological and oceanographic data, statistical data on catches, academic papers, newspaper articles, and administrative documents issued by municipalities were considered in this study. Although no consistent trends in long-term changes in air temperature, precipitation, and sea surface temperature were observed in the vicinity of each lagoon, the effects of climate change depend on the season and area. Academic papers and newspaper articles allowed us to identify environmental changes and events that have occurred in the past, as well as the characteristics of the environmental problems arising in each lagoon. However, only a few references to environmental change risk were found in administrative documents related to environmental and fishery plans. This study identified the challenges faced by each lagoon. Further analysis is needed to determine the adaptation measures that should be taken in response to climate change.