Climate Adaptation

The Gulf of Maine has been warming quickly, and rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere mean that the Gulf will be even warmer in the future. This warming is driving changes in precipitation patterns, species distribution, storm frequency, and ocean acidity.

GMRI scientists are working hard to understand how the physical changes over the last few decades have impacted the ecosystem. We have seen shifts in the timing and composition of key zooplankton species, changes in when and where key commercial species are caught, declines of cold water species, and an influx of southerly species like black sea bass into the Gulf.

We integrate research from many different disciplines to develop solutions that allow fisheries, fisheries management, and fishing communities to become more resilient in the face of changing ocean conditions.