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
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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.
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Econometrics
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Bioeconomic Modeling
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Environmental Valuation
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Social-Ecological Systems
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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
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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 …
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Fisheries Strategies for Changing Oceans and Resilient Ecosystems by 2030 (FishSCORE2030)
FishSCORE was endorsed as a decadal programme by the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. This program will build a global network of …
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Arctic Warming and the Lobster Fishery
Arctic warming and melting sea ice are altering ocean circulation patterns in the Northwest Atlantic, affecting the distribution and abundance of lobster — an important …
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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 …
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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.
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Understanding the Aquaculture Supply Chain
The GMRI Coastal & Marine Economics lab contributes to this collaborative, industry-propelled, interdisciplinary research project will enhance the long-term economic sustainability of aquaculture in Maine …
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Supporting the Development of Socioecological Literacy
This project advances efforts to better understand and promote practices that broaden access to and interest in regionally relevant science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) …
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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 …
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Economic Analysis of Max Retention Electronic Monitoring
Initially proposed as a cost-effective and comprehensive electronic monitoring program, the goal of the MREM program is to improve economic performance by fleets while simultaneously …
Read Next
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Gulf of Maine, Explained: Sustainable Seafood
In this Gulf of Maine, Explained video, GMRI Sustainable Seafood Director Kyle Foley highlights the abundance of delicious seafood from the Gulf of Maine, outlines …
Gulf of Maine, Explained
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Tremont's Quest for Resilience in a Changing Climate
Read on to learn more about what it takes to ensure coastal communities continue to thrive in a warmer world, and to see the role …
Announcements
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Gulf of Maine, Explained: Causes & Impacts of Rapid Warming
In this Gulf of Maine, Explained video, GMRI Climate Center Director Dr. Dave Reidmiller explains why the Gulf of Maine is warming faster than most …
Gulf of Maine, Explained
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Intern Reflections: 2023 Field Season in Review
During summer 2023, nine interns from around the country joined GMRI for our Research Experience for Undergrads (REU) program. We also partnered with Quahog Bay …
Perspectives