Coastal and Marine Economics
Economics is more than just money and business — it's also connected to decisions and behaviors.
Our lab seeks to understand the mechanisms behind our decisions and behaviors, and how they relate to coastal and marine resource uses. How do we interact with our coastal and marine environment? How and why do we make the decisions we make? These are some of our key questions. We also explore how external factors, such as climate change and economic changes, affect our decisions and resource use patterns.
We aim to:
- Explore and understand the complex trade-offs involved when people make decisions about the natural environment.
- Support decision-makers by providing useful and timely information and tools.
- Promote the sustainability and resiliency of communities and economies that depend on coastal and marine resources.
Lab Team
-
![]()
-
![A portrait of a woman smiling, outside.]()
Alexa Dayton, Ph.D.
Adjunct Scientist
Our Methods
Our lab highlights the human dimensions of coastal and marine resource use.
We approach coastal and marine resource management issues using bioeconomic modeling, econometrics, and environmental valuation. Working closely with researchers from both natural and social science fields, we challenge disciplinary perspectives and assumptions to gain a more holistic and deep understanding of human-nature interaction. Collaborations and conversations with communities, decision makers, and industries are integral elements of our research.
-
Econometrics
-
Bioeconomic Modeling
-
Environmental Valuation
-
Social-Ecological Systems
-
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Our lab highlights the human dimensions of coastal and marine resource use.
We approach coastal and marine resource management issues using bioeconomic modeling, econometrics, and environmental valuation. Working closely with researchers from both natural and social science fields, we challenge disciplinary perspectives and assumptions to gain a more holistic and deep understanding of human-nature interaction. Collaborations and conversations with communities, decision makers, and industries are integral elements of our research.
- Econometrics
- Bioeconomic Modeling
- Environmental Valuation
- Social-Ecological Systems
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Research Lab Projects
Explore Coastal and Marine Economics Projects
-
![Supporting Coastal Aquaculture Development]()
Supporting Coastal Aquaculture Development
Shellfish aquaculture is growing rapidly. In Maine, limited purpose aquaculture (LPA) licenses are relatively easy to attain, and this attracts more people to enter aquaculture …
-
![Climate Resilient Fisheries]()
Climate Resilient Fisheries
This project investigates the key features that support fisheries’ resilience to climate change impacts, and how these features are recognized and enhanced in marine fishery …
-
![Assessing Allocation Strategies for Fisheries Affected by Climate Change]()
Assessing Allocation Strategies for Fisheries Affected by Climate Change
Our project aims to develop guidance and adaptive strategies for fishery managers grappling with climate change induced allocation challenges.
-
![Re-evaluating the Cultural Value of Fisheries and Working Waterfronts]()
Re-evaluating the Cultural Value of Fisheries and Working Waterfronts
By conducting case studies in Japan and the US that more closely examines the relational values that local populations develop as they work with their …
-
![Assessing Maximum Economic Yield Efforts for Maine's Lobster Fishery]()
Assessing Maximum Economic Yield Efforts for Maine's Lobster Fishery
This project evaluates the amount of effort that will maximize the overall economic benefit from the lobster resources in the Gulf of Maine by combining …
-
![Electronic Monitoring (EM)]()
Electronic Monitoring (EM)
In an attempt to reduce the expense of at-sea monitoring, we are working with managers and fishermen to develop cost-effective alternatives. Electronic monitoring (EM) offers …
Read Next
-
![Four Favorites From 2020]()
Four Favorites From 2020
Despite the challenges brought on throughout the last year, we're looking back at some of our favorite moments from 2020. These selected stories feature staff …
Announcements
-
![Wishes for the Gulf of Maine]()
Wishes for the Gulf of Maine
In a goodbye message to the GMRI community, departing Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Andrew Pershing shares his wishes for the Gulf of Maine.
Perspectives
-
![Maine-Grown Kelp: Opportunity & Impact]()
Maine-Grown Kelp: Opportunity & Impact
In the United States, the Gulf of Maine is the only region where fresh kelp is produced and sold at scale. We checked in with …
Perspectives
-
![Public Schools Serving Local Seafood]()
Public Schools Serving Local Seafood
Students in public schools across New England will soon have an opportunity to eat and learn about Gulf of Maine seafood.
Tidings
