Applying an ecosystem approach to sustainability in the Eastern Gulf of Maine by bridging the physical, biological, economic, and social systems.
Overview
A cold water underwater river flows southward along Nova Scotia’s coastline into the Gulf of Maine, creating a counter clockwise current that transports rich nutrients throughout the basin and gives rise to the diversity and richness of species within this unique ecosystem. The eastern Gulf of Maine coastal current region extends from the western edge of Penobscot Bay to the Canadian border, and includes all upland watersheds in between. This region maintained a remarkable coastal resilience and sustainable fisheries, through ecosystem approaches on the ground – for generations.
But all is not well. Rising sea level, ocean acidification, ocean hotspots, all threaten shellfish and crustaceans; changes in species suitable habitat pave the way for the arrival of invasive species; altered water quality and salinity as well as changes in oxygen levels, threaten to spur diseases, such as lobster shell disease. Coastal communities are at the forefront of observing these threats and bear the consequences of a warming Gulf of Maine.
The Challenge
Fishermen, scientists, managers, and the community at large face uncertainty, and yet new opportunities also arise. Fisheries science and management has relied on stable historical data trends dating back to the 1950’s to estimate fish populations and manage how much we fish, manage a healthy ecosystem, vibrant economies and generate a sustainable food source. With rapid changes in our environment, we now face poorly understood connections within the ecosystem, and our traditional approaches to studying these marine systems are limited in their ability to deal with the complexity of interconnected riverine, coastal, and ocean environments.
The Opportunity
Active participation from tribal and local stakeholders is sought and essential to generating the knowledge and data that underpins adaptation at the correct scale, and reflects today’s hyper local variability. Data from fishermen, collected at a local proper scale, provides the insights needed to act and adapt behavior within a context that matters. A localized listening approach is core to decision-making within the context of the geographic region, and also considers the pathway of fisheries-dependent communities, past – present – and future.
Fishermen’s participation in science with the contribution of everyday observations allows us to make smart decisions and reflect the indigenous ways that protected these waters and lands for centuries. Putting it all together with a forum for knowledge exchange among fishermen, scientists, managers, is a game-changer in how we adapt to a changing ocean.
Our Aim & Approach
The coastal current represents a distinct sub-region within the Gulf of Maine, complete with unique oceanographic, ecological, and societal characteristics. A systematic holistic approach in a geographically specific area like this allows us to recognizes the physical, biological, economic, and social interactions among the affected fishery-related components of the ecosystem, including humans. We have an opportunity to protect this system through collaborative efforts that aggregate and extend knowledge sharing and build capacity.
MCCF, with partners, convened the “State of the Science Conference,” a two-day event to discuss ecosystem-based fisheries management in Eastern Maine, bringing together experts from local governments, fishing, science, and academic communities. The conference represents the first step towards a comprehensive understanding of Eastern Maine’s watersheds, intertidal, nearshore, and offshore ecosystems. The conference took place on June 17-18, 2019 in Machias, and was hosted in collaboration with our partners. Stay tuned for another conference – soon!
State of the Science Conference Report
Ten lessons from the frontlines of science in support of fisheries management – Editorial by Dr. Jon Hare, NOAA Fisheries
State of the Science Conference Summary
1.) Collect scientific information that has the potential to support short- and immediate-term management needs
2.) Understand historical, long-range, and holistic views of the sub-regional ecosystem
3.) Define methods for incorporating the human and natural components of the ecosystem
4.) Create a tested example of science in support of ecosystem-based fisheries management
5.) Explore approaches in which stakeholders at different scales can actively contribute to the production and maintenance of knowledge
Partners
Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries, NOAA Fisheries, and the Maine Department of Marine Resources have signed a cooperative research and development agreement to further a research framework that supports ecosystem-based fisheries management in the Eastern Maine Coastal Current and its associated watersheds. Renewed 5-year CRADA was signed 5/2024
