A climate resilience strategy to strengthen US seafood competitiveness

A new University of Miami study released on July 6, 2026, highlights the critical role of climate resilience in ensuring the long-term competitiveness of the United States' seafood industry. As the country seeks to boost domestic seafood production, the research underscores that the ability of fisheries to withstand and recover from climate-driven disruptions will determine their success. This finding coincides with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) ongoing initiatives aimed at increasing local seafood output, which emphasize the need for strategic investments to safeguard fisheries and supply chains against environmental shocks. The study uses Gulf Coast fisheries as a key case study, examining how hurricanes impact one of the nation’s most productive seafood regions. Researchers found that such extreme weather events not only disrupt marine ecosystems but also threaten fishing infrastructure, processing facilities, and supply chains. These disruptions have far-reaching consequences, affecting both the economic viability of fisheries and the livelihoods of coastal communities. The study notes that while hurricanes are a central focus, similar challenges arise from other climate-related phenomena, including marine heat waves and harmful algal blooms. According to Juan Carlos Villaseñor-Derbez, an assistant professor at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, climate resilience is essential for maintaining consistent seafood production. “For fisheries, competitiveness isn’t just about producing more seafood, it’s about producing it consistently,” he explains. He adds that building resilience allows fisheries to recover more swiftly from disruptions, thereby ensuring the reliability of seafood supplies for businesses and consumers alike. The Gulf of Mexico serves as a prime example of the dual nature of opportunity and vulnerability within the industry. It contributes over $910 million annually in commercial dockside revenue and supports more than 250,000 jobs, both commercial and recreational. However, the region also faces the highest and fastest-growing exposure to hurricanes in the country. These storms can cause extensive damage to marine habitats, fishing gear, and processing plants, leading to prolonged recovery periods for affected communities. To enhance resilience and bolster long-term competitiveness, the researchers propose three key strategies. First, they advocate for adaptive governance structures that enable fisheries to adjust to evolving environmental conditions while maintaining sustainable harvesting practices. Second, they suggest establishing independent financial safety nets to assist fishing communities in recovering more rapidly from disasters and preserving their operational capacity. Third, they recommend science-based climate risk assessments to improve forecasting, preparedness, and informed decision-making for both fisheries and coastal communities. These recommendations align with NOAA’s broader goals of modernizing U.S. fisheries management through increased emphasis on preparedness. Villaseñor-Derbez, who is also affiliated with the University of Miami Frost Institute for Data Science and Computing’s Earth System Science Program, stated that the study aims to contribute to future policy discussions that support both domestic seafood production and the sustainability of coastal economies. The research, titled Competitiveness in American Seafood Requires Climate-Resilient Fisheries, was published in the journal Fish and Fisheries. Co-authors include Amelia Willett Burfoot of the Rosenstiel School and Renato Molina of Appalachian State University. The findings offer a roadmap for policymakers and industry stakeholders seeking to build a more resilient and competitive U.S. seafood sector in the face of escalating climate challenges.