Assessing Vulnerability of the Atlantic Sea Scallop Social-Ecological System in the Northeast Waters of the US
Map of the North West Atlantic model for the aragonite saturation state of sea bottom conditions. The Ω declines as you move north with the critical values (Ω <1.5) (corrosive conditions related to calcium carbonate saturation state) exceeded in the Mid-Atlantic Bight and Gulf of Maine.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Conceptual framework for social and ecological system (SES) vulnerability of the Northeast U.S. Atlantic sea scallop fishery. (adapted from Cinner et al., 2013; Ekstrom et al., 2015; Thiault et al., 2018; Cutter 2005.)
The Northeast United States is home to the most valuable commercial and recreational fisheries in the country, with the Atlantic sea scallop fishery alone generating over $500 million per year and being the largest wild scallop fishery in the world. Unfortunately, this ecosystem is experiencing significant changes in temperature, precipitation, and ocean acidification that may pose a threat to the fishery. The scallops' ability to build their shells is negatively impacted by ocean acidification, which can reduce the saturation levels of calcium carbonate in the water.
This project aims to evaluate the impact of these changes on the scallop fishery and the communities that depend on it, and develop recommendations on how to build resiliency in the face of these challenges. The study will use a social-ecological system vulnerability framework, incorporating data from stakeholder workshops, biological and oceanographic models, and industry-collected data sets. Results are presented in workshops designed with a focus group approach involving members of the scallop fishery and coastal communities, with their ideas incorporated into the final recommendations.
upcoming workshops:
Stay tuned for another year of fishing industry workshops in 2025! We will be hosting workshops in New Bedford, New Jersey, and Virginia in late March and early April!
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PROJECT GOALS:
Identify the vulnerability of communities dependent on sea scallops to oceanographic changes from ocean acidification.
Increase knowledge on the resilience of these sea scallop-dependent communities and incorporate that knowledge into vulnerability assessments.
Improve knowledge of population-level vulnerability assessment methods for species with complicated life histories.
Develop projections of sea scallop vulnerability in 2100 including measurements relevant to regional management of the fishery (e.g. time to harvest and fishing zone shifts) by:
a. Assessing how historical and future ocean acidification levels affect population-level changes in sea scallop metrics like time to harvest/size, which can inform policy actions.
b. Assess and identify the role of information about ocean acidification and regional simulations/projections in sea scallop fishery management and industry decisions with implications for forecasts in the region.
c. Generate a management recommendation based on our findings for the sea scallop fishery designed with community and manager input for use in forecasts, projections, and management.
PROJECT TEAM:
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
Lisa L. Colburn
Shannon Meseck
Deborah Hart
Rutgers University
Enrique Curchitser
Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation
Susan Inglis - CFRF Project Lead
N. David Bethoney
Victoria Thomas
University of Connecticut
Halle Berger
Project Outreach:
Workshops
The CFRF Project team has organized and facilitated workshops between scientific partners and the fishing community each year of this project. These workshops discuss project goals and results and address concerns of the commercial fishing industry. A focus group approach is used to collect in-depth information on industry perceptions related to ocean acidification and warming.
Brochures and Flyers
CFRF has produced brochures explaining how warming waters and ocean acidification impact fisheries, regional vulnerabilities, and the implications of the project results. Click below to view them!
Preliminary Results:
Scroll through for examples of results the project team has presented at scientific conferences!
media coverage:
This project was featured in the April 2021 NOAA Navigator “Scientists Seek Input From Scallop Industry for Study on Ocean Acidification Impacts”
