Mediterranean marine heatwaves threaten coastal livelihoods

Blue crabs are placed in a box at a seafood exporting company "L'ocean de peche", in Al Ataya Port, in Kerkennah Islands, off Sfax, Tunisia, October 23, 2022. REUTERS/Jihed Abidellaoui

KERKENNAH ISLANDS, Tunisia (Reuters) - A decade ago, Tunisian fisherman Ahmed Chelli's nets bulged with fish and octopus that he sold at the local market in the Kerkennah islands. Today, he pulls up only "ISIS" — the name locals have given to the blue crabs that have invaded their fishing grounds in the fast-warming waters of the Mediterranean.

"The fisherman, ... instead of finding fish to provide an income, he finds something that cuts his nets," Chelli complained.