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 …
-
![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 …
-
![Expanding Maine's Blue Economy]()
Expanding Maine's Blue Economy
This collaborative, industry-propelled, interdisciplinary research project will enhance the long-term economic sustainability of aquaculture in Maine by improving our understanding of the Maine aquaculture industry’s …
-
![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) …
Read Next
-
![Searching for Clues in Salmon Scales]()
Searching for Clues in Salmon Scales
We spoke to GMRI Research Scientist Dr. Kathy Mills and three members of her Integrated Systems Ecology Lab to learn more about their approaches to …
Perspectives
-
![True Fin: Serving Fish & Fishermen]()
True Fin: Serving Fish & Fishermen
We spoke with True Fin CEO Jen Levin, GMRI Chief Ventures Officer Blaine Grimes, and fisherman Joe Letourneau to learn more about how True Fin …
Perspectives
-
![Investigating Sea Level Rise]()
Investigating Sea Level Rise
A new community science effort invites coastal communities to document the impacts of sea level rise.
Tidings
-
![Seafood Sprint Launches]()
Seafood Sprint Launches
A recent grant from the Economic Development Authority powers our Gulf of Maine Ventures team's new partnership with a Boston-based bluetech startup platform.
Tidings
