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Climate Change and Fisheries in the Gulf of Maine A Symposium sponsored by the Sierra Club National Marine Wildlife and Habitat Committee, April 5, 2002 Purpose In August 2001 the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers adopted the Climate Change Action Plan. In doing so, the Governors and Premiers recognized the need for constructive measures to reduce energy and non-energy related emissions, for actions that will support and develop the region's economies (by selecting so-called "no-regrets" measures as compared to other possible actions or inaction), and to foster long-term environmental and economic sustainability. The Plan calls for exploring adaptive approaches to the already changing climate, taking advantage of benefits that might come from these changes, and adapting the infrastructure and natural resource base accordingly. It also calls for exploring ways to adapt to climate change in ways that do not increase production of greenhouse gases in the process, and being mindful of the health and safety of citizens. Lastly, the Plan recognizes the need to work with federal governments to seek additional solutions. There are growing indications that the Gulf of Maine itself may face major alterations that will profoundly affect marine fisheries. This Symposium will investigate these alterations and, we hope, serve as a first step towards applying the principles of the Action Plan to address effects of climate change on fisheries in the Gulf of Maine. Scientists and citizens will begin to examine and reckon with these questions: How will a changing climate ameliorate or exacerbate existing problems for fisheries? conflicting demands for coastal margin from non-fishery uses and aquaculture many already depressed stocks subject to abrupt climate associated cycles changes in water temperature, ocean currents, and species distribution more fisheries habitat alteration, pollution, or loss from sea level rise harmful algal blooms, disease, biotoxins, invasive alien species drought, altered freshwater inflow; salinity changes increased danger at sea from sudden storm events changes in fish population mixes How can fishing communities prepare and adapt to head off painful transitions? land management decisions and non-marine uses affecting coastal margins artisanal versus corporate fisheries pollution prevention and controls baywide management of activities in coastal waters fishing vessel safety reviews and updates energy conservation and alternatives to fossil fuels Back to Symposium Main Up to Top HOME | Email Signup | About Us | Contact Us | Terms of Use | © 2008 Sierra Club