It's getting HOT in here!

The ocean is warming up like crazy. This is most definitely not the first time you’ve heard about this, but it’s worth repeating - the ocean is warming up like crazy. But have you ever thought about how it will affect your sacred sport? Optimists might convince themselves that the fish will adapt and that everything will always remain the same, but this may be delusional. The effects of climate change are multifaceted and complex, leading to both direct and indirect consequences. Although complex, some of the consequences are unanimously thought to occur. At the current rate, some of our dearest catches may soon disappear if we don’t act swiftly. So what are you going to do about it?

The sea trout is one of the most popular catches amongst sportfishermen - but it’s also one of the most vulnerable fishes to rising water temperatures. Their physiology allows for some adaptation, but there is a “concrete ceiling” above which they can’t survive. Although the average temperature might not reach the “concrete ceiling”, heat waves may potentially wipe out large populations. Not only does global warming bring us closer to the aforementioned ceiling, it also increases the chance and potency of heat waves. Furthermore, higher temperatures means fish need more oxygen due to an increased metabolism, while warmer water dissolves less oxygen, resulting in double trouble for our scaly friends. As if this wasn’t enough, rising temperatures also lead to the introduction of invasive species, putting further pressure on the already vulnerable native species.

It is thus reasonable to say that climate change will have an impact on sportfishing, our beloved sport and hobby. Engaging well over 1,5 million Swedes, it is one of the most influential pieces of culture in our society that continuously brings joy and nearness to nature. Having had an upsurge during the COVID-19 pandemic, recreational fishing is cemented into the Swedish way of life more now than ever. The sport may be moving in a positive direction now, but let’s not get complacent; it is of utmost importance that we make sure that our precious hobby remains available for generations to come.

The future prospects of sportfishing is influenced by more than just global warming though - there are other forces at play. The ongoing political debate surrounding sea based wind power could create artificial reefs where fish could thrive and where fishing could take place - a positive trend in other words. However, there’s an ongoing ethical debate regarding the morality of recreational fishing, of which we’ve seen the first effects in countries such as Switzerland and Germany where legislation now inhibits certain fishing habits. On a more positive note, the introduction of new technology like apps and other assisting tech has created opportunities for new businesses to surface. This digitalization has created potential for economic growth. Be sure to learn more in our PESTEL Analysis!

No one can for sure know what tomorrow will bring - but one can try to predict it. Among all the forces acting on the sport fishing industry, we believe that the two most determining factors are global warming and technological evolution. The extent of the effect of these may be high or low, and in combination four different scenarios may arise. Learn more in our Scenario Analysis!

Don’t forget: what happens in the future is determined by how we act today. We at Tempura aren't interested in complacency, we're interested in real measures - and so should you be…

We’ve got data to catch!

Be sure to learn more by DIVING DEEPER into our PESTEL Analysis and Scenario Analysis!