“It seems that climate change is already harming us all”: Complex climate change, health, and socio-ecological risks for Mexican fishing communities

Climate change impacts on the ocean increasingly challenge coastal communities’ livelihoods, food security, cultural heritage, health, and well-being. While these impacts are unfolding in real time for small-scale fisheries (SSF) in the Global South, research examining the human health dimensions of these climate-induced disruptions is nascent. Therefore, we documented diverse experiences of climate change impacts on marine ecosystems, characterized climate-socio-ecological factors that shape health and wellbeing, and identified barriers and enablers of health-related climate change adaptation in Mexican fishing communities.

Drawing on a community-based approach and prioritizing the voices of fishing communities, we partnered with two fishing cooperatives on the Pacific coast of Baja California. We employed an integrative qualitative methodology, combining daily-routine accompaniment methods, open-ended interviews, and photo-elicitation techniques to capture community members' perspectives, emotions, and local knowledge (n = 54). Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and are presented through detailed narratives. Fishers explained how environmental changes impacted local livelihoods, intergenerational knowledge systems, and challenged cultural identities and ways of life. Community members described the importance of ecosystem interactions and public health, including how the ocean underpins mental and physical health, and overall well-being. Finally, fishers noted different adaptation barriers, including local to national challenges such as infrastructure, regulations, and gender roles, as well as international pressures. They also described adaptation enablers, including ecosystem-based and social-based strategies, particularly related to conservation efforts. This study highlights how fishing communities’ experiences and knowledge, enduring cultural narratives, and collective sustainability efforts shape local climate change responses and resilience, supporting health and well-being.