How Does Climate Change Affect Global Fisheries and Aquaculture?

The IELTS Reading test is a crucial part of the IELTS examination, evaluating a candidate’s ability to read quickly, understand detailed information, infer meaning, and identify the writer’s intent. A common topic that often appears in the Reading module relates to environmental issues, such as “How does climate change affect global fisheries and aquaculture?” This topic is relevant given the increasing global awareness of climate change and its impacts. Based on past trends, such themes are likely to reappear in future tests due to their ongoing pertinence.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive IELTS Reading practice passage focused on this topic, along with questions, answer keys, and detailed explanations to help candidates prepare effectively.

Reading Practice Passage

Passage Title: The Impact of Climate Change on Global Fisheries and Aquaculture

Climate change is significantly affecting global fisheries and aquaculture. The rise in ocean temperatures, ocean acidification, and sea level rise are just a few consequences stemming from increased atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases. These changes pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems and the species that inhabit them, subsequently impacting global fisheries and aquaculture industries.

Firstly, warmer ocean temperatures are causing shifts in species distribution. Many fish species are migrating towards the poles in search of cooler waters, altering the composition of local ecosystems. This migration can reduce the availability of certain fish species in traditional fishing areas, leading to economic hardships for communities dependent on these fisheries.

Secondly, ocean acidification, caused by the absorption of excess atmospheric CO2 into the ocean, is predominantly affecting shellfish, such as oysters and mussels. Acidification hampers the ability of these organisms to form calcium carbonate shells, resulting in weaker shells and higher mortality rates. This decrease in shellfish populations can disrupt food webs and diminish the revenues of aquaculture farmers who cultivate these species.

Furthermore, sea level rise is leading to habitat losses for many marine and coastal species. Mangroves, salt marshes, and coral reefs that act as crucial breeding and feeding grounds are being submerged or eroded. These habitats are vital for the lifecycle of various fish species, and their destruction exacerbates the decline in fish stocks.

In addition to these physical changes, climate change is also causing more frequent and intense extreme weather events, such as storms and hurricanes. These events can devastate aquaculture facilities and fishing fleets, resulting in substantial economic losses. Coastal communities often face the brunt of these impacts, suffering from both the loss of livelihood and increased vulnerability to future weather events.

To mitigate these effects, it is imperative to adopt adaptive management strategies. One approach is the creation of marine protected areas (MPAs) to safeguard critical habitats and allow fish populations to recover. Another strategy is to enhance the robustness of aquaculture systems through technological innovations, such as selective breeding for heat-resistant species and the development of new farming techniques to cope with the changing environment.

In conclusion, while climate change poses a significant threat to global fisheries and aquaculture, targeted actions and policies can potentially alleviate some of its impacts. Future sustainability of these industries hinges on our ability to adapt to and mitigate the ongoing and anticipated changes in our climate.

Climate Change Impact on Fisheries

Questions

Section A: Multiple Choice

1. What is one of the primary effects of warmer ocean temperatures mentioned in the text?

   • A. Decreased availability of marine phytoplankton
   • B. Shift in species distribution towards the poles
   • C. Increased formation of calcium carbonate shells
   • D. Enhanced breeding grounds for all fish species

2. How does ocean acidification affect shellfish?

   • A. It increases their population
   • B. It helps them form stronger shells
   • C. It impedes their ability to form calcium carbonate shells
   • D. It makes them migrate to deeper waters

Section B: True/False/Not Given

3. Warmer ocean temperatures are causing many fish species to migrate towards the poles.

   • True
   • False
   • Not Given

4. The creation of marine protected areas (MPAs) has already completely eliminated the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems.

   • True
   • False
   • Not Given

Section C: Matching Information

5. Match the following effects to their causes as described in the passage:

   • A. Ocean Acidification
   • B. Sea Level Rise
   • C. Extreme Weather Events
   • D. Warmer Ocean Temperatures

   i. Destruction of aquaculture facilities
   ii. Creation of weaker shellfish shells
   iii. Migration of fish species towards the poles
   iv. Loss of coastal habitats like mangroves

Section D: Short Answer Questions

6. What kind of adaptive management strategies are mentioned in the passage to mitigate the effects of climate change on fisheries and aquaculture?

Answer Key and Explanations

Section A: Multiple Choice

1. B. Shift in species distribution towards the poles

   • Explanation: The passage clearly mentions that warmer ocean temperatures are causing species to migrate towards the poles in search of cooler waters.

2. C. It impedes their ability to form calcium carbonate shells

   • Explanation: According to the passage, ocean acidification hampers shellfish’s ability to form calcium carbonate shells, leading to weaker shells and higher mortality rates.

Section B: True/False/Not Given

3. True

   • Explanation: The passage explicitly states that warmer ocean temperatures are causing many fish species to migrate towards the poles.

4. False

   • Explanation: The passage suggests that marine protected areas (MPAs) are a strategy to help fish populations recover but does not claim that MPAs have completely eliminated the effects of climate change.

Section C: Matching Information

5. A-ii, B-iv, C-i, D-iii
   • Explanation:
     • A (Ocean Acidification) causes creation of weaker shellfish shells.
     • B (Sea Level Rise) leads to the loss of coastal habitats like mangroves.
     • C (Extreme Weather Events) result in the destruction of aquaculture facilities.
     • D (Warmer Ocean Temperatures) cause the migration of fish species towards the poles.

Section D: Short Answer Questions

6. The adaptive management strategies mentioned include the creation of marine protected areas (MPAs) and enhancing the robustness of aquaculture systems through selective breeding for heat-resistant species and the development of new farming techniques.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overlooking Key Details: Ensure you read carefully to grasp specific details rather than skimming through the text.
• Misinterpreting Information: Be clear on distinguishing facts presented in the passage from your own assumptions.
• Inadequate Time Management: Allocate appropriate time to read, understand, and answer, leaving time for reviewing your responses.

Vocabulary List

1. Acidification (noun) /ˌæsɪdɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ – Process by which a liquid becomes more acidic.
2. Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
3. Calcium Carbonate (noun) /ˈkælsiəm ˈkɑrˌbəˌneɪt/ – A chemical compound found in shells and bones.
4. Aquaculture (noun) /ˈækwəˌkʌltʃər/ – The cultivation of aquatic organisms such as fish or shellfish.
5. Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – To make less severe, serious, or painful.

Grammar Points

Use of Passive Voice

• Example from passage: “Ocean acidification is predominantly affecting shellfish…”
  • Structure: Subject + is/am/are + past participle + object
  • Passive voice is often used in scientific writing to emphasize the action rather than the subject performing the action.

Conditional Sentences

• Example from passage: “If the habitats are destroyed, it exacerbates the decline in fish stocks.”
  • Structure: If + present simple, + will + base verb
  • Conditionals are used to discuss possible consequences based on certain conditions.

Tips for High IELTS Reading Score

• Practice Regularly: Consistent practice with a variety of topics helps improve speed and comprehension.
• Skim and Scan: Learn to skim for main ideas and scan for specific information quickly.
• Improve Vocabulary: A strong vocabulary base helps understand complex texts more easily.
• Underlined Keywords: Use a pencil to underline important keywords in questions and text to find answers faster.

By adopting these strategies and understanding the format, you’ll be better prepared to tackle the Reading section of the IELTS exam efficiently and effectively.