Climate change will likely force critical species of fish to migrate towards the poles, badly disrupting fisheries and the overall marine ecosystem, according to a new study released today.  The frightening development could happen in only a few decades, and cause the extinction of certain varieties of fish and eliminate a vital food source for developing countries in particular.  The ramifications will be very widespread, according to the AP:

The paper, appearing in a British journal, Fish and Fisheries, says the turnover of species will be “dramatic,” affecting 60 percent of present biodiversity, and with repercussions for the entire food chain.

Did you catch that?!  (Pun intended)  The entire food chain! We’re not just talking about fewer fish ‘n’ chip shops, although those will certainly be missed.  My guess is that preventing this disastrous outcome will require both a drastic reduction of greenhouse gases to slow these effects of climate change, and for fisheries to develop smarter, more sustainable methods of catching fish to ensure healthy populations.

takepart by learning more about sustainably caught fish with the Marine Stewardship Council.

Photo: tarotastic’s Flickr Photostream (Creative Commons)