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

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Title: "It seems that climate change is already harming us all": Complex climate change, health, and socio-ecological risks for Mexican fishing communities.
Authors: Banuet-Martinez M; School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada. Electronic address: banuetma@ualberta.ca., Hernandez-Velasco AJ; Comunidad y Biodiversidad, A.C., Isla del Peruano 215, Guaymas, 85448, Sonora, Mexico., Dominguez-Sanchez CA; CADS Science Documentary, 11135 83 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6C 2C6, Canada., Espinosa-Romero MJ; Comisión Nacional de Acuacultura y Pesca, CONAPESCA, Mazatlán, 82100, Sinaloa, Mexico., Vera-Velazquez F; Sociedad Cooperativa de Producción Pesquera de Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico., Sandoval-Arauz SA; Sociedad Cooperativa de Producción Pesquera de Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico., Vazquez-Murillo SC; Sociedad Cooperativa de Producción Pesquera Buzos y Pescadores de la Baja California, Baja California Sur, Mexico., Ensenada SCPP; Sociedad Cooperativa de Producción Pesquera de Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico., Buzos Y Pescadores de la Baja California SCPP; Sociedad Cooperativa de Producción Pesquera Buzos y Pescadores de la Baja California, Baja California Sur, Mexico., Yamamoto SS; School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada; Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, 270 Farber Hall, Buffalo, NY, 14214-8001, USA., Harper SL; School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada. Electronic address: sherilee@ualberta.ca.
Source: Social science & medicine (1982) [Soc Sci Med] 2025 Nov; Vol. 384, pp. 118548. Date of Electronic Publication: 2025 Sep 14.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Language: English
Journal Info: Publisher: Pergamon Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 8303205 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1873-5347 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 02779536 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Soc Sci Med Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s): Original Publication: Oxford ; New York : Pergamon, c1982-
MeSH Terms: Hunting*/psychology , Hunting*/trends , Climate Change* , Psychological Well-Being* , Fisheries*/trends , Social Environment*, Humans ; Qualitative Research ; Interviews as Topic ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Mexico/epidemiology ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Knowledge ; Public Health/trends
Abstract: 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.
(Copyright © 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)
Entry Date(s): Date Created: 20250917 Date Completed: 20251120 Latest Revision: 20251120
Update Code: 20251121
DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118548
PMID: 40961641
Database: MEDLINE
Description
Abstract: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.<br /> (Copyright © 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)
ISSN:1873-5347
DOI:10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118548