KUL04 - The Great Mackerel Mystery: Is Climate Change Changing Our Fisheries?

Have you ever wondered why some fish seem harder to catch than they were a decade ago? Is climate change quietly reshaping Malaysia's fisheries and threatening the seafood that millions depend on?  In this challenge, we will investigate the "Great Mackerel Mystery" by exploring how rising sea temperatures, changing ocean conditions, fishing pressure, and ecosystem dynamics affect the population of Indian mackerel (ikan kembung) in Peninsular Malaysia. Using a System Dynamics approach, we will uncover the complex interactions between climate, marine ecosystems, fishing communities, and food security.  But this challenge is not just about understanding the problem—we want to develop innovative solutions. How can policymakers, fishers, and communities adapt to a changing climate? What strategies can help sustain fish stocks while protecting livelihoods? Can data, modelling, and technology support smarter fisheries management?