Social factors drive climate risk in traditional fisheries

Abstract Small-scale fisheries play a key socioeconomic role in coastal systems, supporting livelihoods and providing essential marine ecosystem services. This role has been maintained and has evolved over time into a diverse portfolio of fishing techniques known as métiers , sustained through local ecological knowledge. But nowadays, climate change heavily threatens this fishing sector, compromising local knowledge and the well-being of the communities that rely on it. This research draws on recent developments in indicator-based tools such as climate risk assessments to evaluate climate risk at the métier level in Galicia (NW Spain). We found that risk levels vary across métiers , with fisheries targeting sessile or benthic resources bearing the higher risks. Women or younger fishers generally dominate these fisheries and appear correlated with high cognitive constructs (climate impact awareness) and fewer fishing assets. Social factors contributing to risk levels include inequity perception, low social interactions, and low-income levels within the métier group. The risk assessment is easily transferable and can be adapted to other communities, providing insights for improving fisheries management and developing adaptation plans.