September 20, 2021 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:
Climate-related forces such as ocean temperature changes and sea-level rises are certain to shape fisheries on the East Coast between now and 2040. Which forces do you think are most important? What are the unknowns? Do you support exploring how fishery management will be affected by shifting fish stock distributions due to climate-related factors?
These are the kinds of questions being asked as part of the scoping process for the East Coast Climate Change Scenario Planning Initiative. The Core Team overseeing the project recently held three kick-off webinars to introduce fishermen and other stakeholders to climate change scenario planning. Anyone who missed the webinars can watch the videos:
• Introduction to East Coast Climate Change Scenario Planning
• Introduction to Scenario Planning
• Initiative Details
• Process and Participants
The Core Team is now soliciting additional insights, perspectives, and feedback via a questionnaire to help guide future work on this initiative. The 12 questions should take no more than 10-to-30 minutes to complete, and some are short and simple, such as “where are you based.” Commercial and recreational fishermen, as well as others who are out on the water day after day witnessing changing ocean conditions first-hand, are especially encouraged to provide input. However, anyone who has a stake in this initiative is welcome to fill out the questionnaire on this webpage.