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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![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.
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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]()
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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![SNAPP: Climate Resilient Fisheries Working Group]()
SNAPP: Climate Resilient Fisheries Working Group
This SNAPP working group will play a key role in developing guidance on management approaches, processes, and tools that can operationalize and implement resilience principles …
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![Ocean Risks and Resilience in SIDS and LDCs]()
Ocean Risks and Resilience in SIDS and LDCs
This project synthesizes existing knowledge of ocean risks and resilience and tools to assess such risks and vulnerabilities in coastal communities, including those in SIDS …
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![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 …
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![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.
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![Understanding the Aquaculture Supply Chain]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
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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![The Value of Community Science]()
The Value of Community Science
We learn from experts about community science — scientific research and monitoring driven and controlled by local communities — and what makes it such an …
Perspectives
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![2020–2021 Home Delivery Impact Report]()
2020–2021 Home Delivery Impact Report
In this impact report, we are delighted to reflect on a full year of remote learning through Home Delivery, with overviews of each offering and …
Announcements
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![Gulf of Maine Warming Update: 2021 the Hottest Year on Record]()
Gulf of Maine Warming Update: 2021 the Hottest Year on Record
With an annual average sea surface temperature (SST) of 54.14 °F — more than 4 °F above normal — the Gulf of Maine experienced its …
Announcements
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![Marine Resource Education Program (MREP) In-Person Workshops Resume]()
Marine Resource Education Program (MREP) In-Person Workshops Resume
Across the country, fishermen eager to engage effectively in fisheries science and management processes will be returning to in-person to MREP workshops throughout the year.
Tidings
