Research priorities for seafood-dependent livelihoods under ocean climate change extreme events

The current magnitude of ocean extreme events already exceeds the end-of-the-decade scenario estimates, and therefore incremental adaptation measures will render insufficient for seafood-dependent livelihoods. Nevertheless, transformational change is deemed promising, but uncertainties remain as to what activates such processes and how maladaptation outcomes can be avoided. While the science on extreme events is advancing fast, little is known about livelihood adaptation and transformation processes in the context of single or compound ocean extreme events. We identify a set of research priorities: 1) the identification of hotspot areas for coastal compound extreme events, 2) the development of bottom-up case study analysis of adaptation to extreme events, 3) the identification of constrainers and enablers to livelihood adaptation and transformation under abrupt change, and 4) directing research to contribute to climate-change policy. An effort addressing these key gaps will inform seafood-dependent livelihood adaptation policies for the 2030 Agenda and beyond. •The magnitude of climate-induced extreme events challenges food security.•Hotspot areas of compound events need to be identified.•Local evidence on seafood livelihood responses can inform adaptation policy.•Research is needed to understand transformational processes under abrupt change.•Adaptive capacities limit maladaptation and are key to achieving Sustainable Development Goals.