Our Climate Resilient Fisheries Program recently awarded 11 new projects from the 2025 Climate Resilient Fisheries Grants Request for Proposals. These projects are the first portfolio of work to be funded by the program, and they showcase a range of approaches for advancing climate resilient fisheries across the globe, including different governance and management systems, and types of fisheries. These projects will be underway over the coming two years.
In June 2025, the Climate Resilient Fisheries Program launched this RFP in response to a need for funding to bring diverse groups together in collaborative efforts that enhance the resilience of fisheries and fishing communities. We received a large volume of proposals in response to this RFP and the 11 funded projects were selected following a rigorous review process.
Awarded Projects
A Pathway to Climate Resilient Fisheries in Lagos State, Nigeria
Lagos State University
In Lagos State, current climate resilience and adaptation policies do not consider available knowledge on the climate impacts on fisheries. This project will integrate scientific and traditional knowledge on climate change into fisheries adaptation policies and management frameworks.
Enhancing the Use of Scientific, Local, and Indigenous Knowledge to Advance Climate Resilient Small-Scale Coastal Fisheries in Tanzania
African Group of Negotiators Expert Support
Tanzanian decision-maker’s ability to respond to changing ocean conditions are undermined by governance challenges and the underuse of scientific and local knowledge . This project will strengthen their capacity to integrate scientific, local, and indigenous knowledge to advance climate resilience in fisheries management plans i.
Climate Scenario Planning for Tuna Fisheries in the Eastern Pacific
Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC)
The IATTC aims to incorporate scientific knowledge on the impacts of climate change to improve tuna fisheries management. This project will conduct climate scenario planning to establish adaptive management strategies for tuna fisheries spanning from Canada to Chile in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
Establishing a Shared Vision for Canada’s Atlantic Lobster Industry Under Future Climate Scenarios
Canada Lobster Research Network
Climate-driven changes in lobster catches along Canada’s Atlantic Ocean coast are challenging fisheries and shore-based operations. This project will conduct collaborative future scenario planning to foresight actions to achieve a successful Canadian lobster fishery.
Conducting Inclusive Engagement and Participatory Research to Enhance Climate Resilient Fisheries Practices in São Tomé and Príncipe
Programa Tatô
There is a need to equip fisheries managers and fishing communities in São Tomé and Príncipe with strategies to support the resilience of small-scale fisheries. This project will engage diverse stakeholders to assess climate impacts on small pelagic fishes and co-develop adaptation measures for small-scale fisheries on São Tomé Island.
Supporting the Adaptive Capacity of Fishing Communities on the Yucatán Peninsula
Communidad y Biodiversidad
Recent studies suggest two important export fisheries – snapper and octopus – on the Yucatán Peninsula are vulnerable to climate change. This project will co-develop climate change training curriculums and actionable adaptation plans with communities for these fisheries.
Facilitating Transboundary Fisheries Governance to Address Climate and Fisheries Challenges in the Gulf of Guinea
Federal University of Technology, Akure
Countries in the Gulf of Guinea are experiencing resource competition due to overlapping fishing grounds, and climate change may exacerbate these challenges. This project will identify climate-resilient and conflict-sensitive fisheries governance approaches in Nigeria, Ghana, and Benin to encourage regional cooperation in addressing climate impacts on fisheries.
Identifying Fisheries Infrastructure Needs of a U.S. West Coast Fishing Port to Adapt to Changing Ocean and Climate Conditions
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commissio
U.S. West Coast fisheries and fishing ports are facing increasing climate pressures due to species distribution shifts, anticipated changes in port landings, and physical damages.
This project will assess the vulnerability of fisheries port infrastructure in a U.S. West Coast fishing community and develop a regional roadmap that explores strategies to bolster fisheries port resilience.
Developing Modeling Approaches to Support Climate Resilient Fisheries in Baja California, Mexico
Stanford University
Fishing cooperatives, resource managers, and scientists have been collaborating for decades in Baja California, Mexico to illuminate strategies to enhance the resilience of small-scale fisheries. This project will develop modeling and analytical frameworks to inform and prioritize climate resilient management practices for fishing communities.
Fostering Climate Resilient Fisheries Practices Across the Caribbean
Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations
Fishery participants and resource managers in the Caribbean are eager to learn from experts and each other on ways to bolster their climate resilience. This project will explore ways to strengthen management practices and develop action plans for achieving resilience within small-scale fisheries in the Caribbean.
Developing a Climate Resilient Fishery Management Plan for Maryland State-Managed Fisheries
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR)
In response to state legislation, the MDNR will develop a fishery management plan (FMP) that provides a framework for using climate adaptation and resilience strategies. This project will bring together Maryland state fishery managers, scientific experts, and fishing communities to collaboratively develop this climate resilient FMP for state fisheries.
Learning from These Projects
The scientific community has greatly advanced our understanding of the climate impacts on fisheries, and fishing communities and decision-makers are ready to act. Yet, action is often hampered by a lack of real-world examples on how this can be done. These funded projects seek to serve as those examples.
Going forward, our program will work to connect deeper in the global community, including key groups, organizations, and networks to share insights and lessons learned from these projects. If you or anyone in your community, country, or region would like to learn more, please reach out. You may also join our Climate Resilient Fisheries email distribution list.
About the Climate Resilient Fisheries Program
Our program funds projects and supports engagement that advance the science and practice of climate resilient fisheries around the world. We will have additional funding opportunities in the future. Click here to learn more.