Vulnerability assessment frameworks are used in many countries to provide a primary assessment status of marine fish stocks and their susceptibility to change in response to external factors. With increasing evidence that the marine fisheries of India are likely to face major impacts of changing climate along with other natural and anthropogenic factors, a study was carried out to determine the relative vulnerability of 68 species of finfish and shellfish along the Indian coast. Species selection was based on their abundance and importance in the fishery across 4 zones in the country (northeast, northwest, southeast and southwest) and on biological characteristics like growth, reproduction and predator–prey interactions. Vulnerability assessment was based on the relation between exposure, sensitivity and adaptability attributes, expressed as V = (E + S) − A. The exposure attributes selected were environmental parameters that have a direct impact on the fish stocks. Sensitivity attributes were biological characteristics that are indicative of the ability or inability of the species to respond to external pressures. Adaptive capacity attributes were biological and ecological traits that could help the species to adapt to a fluctuating or changing environment. About 69% of the species studied are highly vulnerable along the Indian coast, with their susceptibility being higher along the east coast. Fishing pressure contributes significantly to stock fluctuations and reproductive output. Species with restricted geographic distribution are especially vulnerable to climate change. The outcome of this study will serve as an effective tool in prioritizing mitigation and fishery management strategies on a regional basis in the country.

中文翻译：

---

评估印度海洋鱼类种群对过去气候变化的脆弱性和适应选择

许多国家使用脆弱性评估框架来提供海洋鱼类种群及其对外部因素响应变化的敏感性的主要评估状态。越来越多的证据表明，印度的海洋渔业可能面临气候变化以及其他自然和人为因素的重大影响，因此开展了一项研究，以确定印度沿海 68 种有鳍鱼类和贝类的相对脆弱性。物种选择基于它们在该国 4 个区域（东北、西北、东南和西南）的渔业中的丰度和重要性，以及生长、繁殖和捕食者-猎物相互作用等生物学特征。脆弱性评估基于暴露、敏感性和适应性属性之间的关系，表示为 V = (E + S) - A。选择的暴露属性是对鱼类种群有直接影响的环境参数。敏感性属性是指示物种对外部压力作出反应的能力或无能力的生物学特征。适应能力属性是生物和生态特征，可以帮助物种适应波动或变化的环境。大约 69% 的研究物种在印度海岸非常脆弱，东海岸的易感性更高。捕捞压力对种群波动和繁殖产量有显着影响。地理分布受限的物种特别容易受到气候变化的影响。