Losing Lobster: Climate Change's Effect on the Gulf of Maine
The Gulf of Maine is experiencing record-high temperatures which is threatening marsh habitats and wildlife. Although, in a time of crisis, cities of Maine have come together to work towards solutions to ensure the safety of coastal communities and the fishing industry in the future.
Losing Lobster: Climate Change's Effect on the Gulf of Maine
The problem of warming ocean temperatures has been a hot topic in the news more recently, particularly following the record-breaking temperatures witnessed during the summer of 2024. When thinking of rising ocean temperatures, images of distant international waters or fragile coral reefs might be among the few things that people imagine. So, it may come as a shocker to discover that the Gulf of Maine — right off the coast of the United States — is warming faster than ninety-nine percent of the world’s oceans. This unfortunate reality has the potential to impact coastal communities, tourism, and even the infamous lobster fisheries in the Pine Tree State of Maine.
Why Are Water Temperatures Rising?
Two major currents supply the Gulf of Maine with both cool and warm water. Labrador Current brings cold water from the Arctic region southward, while the Gulf Stream carries tropical, warm water northward. Historically, the Labrador current has been responsible for maintaining a cooler temperature in the Gulf of Maine that is optimal for the wildlife present. However, due to climate change, the Labrador current has weakened, while the Gulf Stream current has only grown stronger, bringing even higher temperatures to the Gulf.
The unique geology of the Gulf of Maine makes it even more susceptible to the current changes. The Gulf of Maine is described as a “bathtub” in its structure, as it has a deeper center, but very shallow shores. This means it absorbs atmospheric heat at a faster rate than most other large bodies of water. Not only does the Gulf’s structure make it vulnerable, but the source of its waters exacerbates that vulnerability. Adding to the misfortune, over 60 rivers drain into the Gulf. Rivers warm faster than oceans, so the drainage of that freshwater into the Gulf increases the overall water temperature. Additionally, the Georges Bank partially blocks the Gulf from being open to the cooler water temperatures in the North Atlantic. As a result of all these factors, it has been found that the ocean waters in the Gulf of Maine have increased about 0.23 degrees Celsius each year since 2004.
Habitat Destruction
Sea levels rising as a result of increased water temperatures has the potential to disrupt vital marsh habitats across the coasts of Maine. Marshes perform natural filtering processes in water, along with providing homes for fish, birds, and other wildlife. Specific to Maine, marshes act as nursery grounds for certain fish species that are commercially and recreationally crucial. Similar to coral reefs, marshes can also be buffer zones that mitigate damage caused by wave and wind impact during storms and severe weather events. Beyond their protective uses, marshes can also absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere; they are even able to filter out more CO2 than forest habitats. A recent study concluded that if by 2100, no work is done to slow or reverse rising water temperatures, in the “best-case scenario,” sixty percent of coastal marshes in Maine will be lost, while in the “worst-case scenario” it is predicted that ninety percent of coastal marshes will be destroyed. Either outcome could cause irreversible damage to the livelihood of wildlife and residents of Maine.
Wildlife Migration
The migration of marine species native to Maine is a testament to the harmful effects of rising water temperatures. Cod fish, which have been historically caught in Maine, are now being found in abundance in cooler waters of places like Iceland. Currently, Maine’s most famous catch, the lobster, is considered to be healthy in numbers. Nevertheless, there has been some records of lobsters moving more north and farther out to sea in search of colder habitats. Lobstering in Southern Maine is virtually nonexistent and the consequences of warming waters could potentially make lobstering in the entire state of Maine a distant memory.
Warm-water species are rapidly replacing native marine species in the waters of Maine. Fisheries in the state are frequently reporting that they find blue crabs in their traps. Seahorses, black sea bass, and other warm water species are also been noticed, alarming many. Dan Chadourne, a second-generation fisherman remarked, “I’m catching fish that don’t belong here. I’m catching triggerfish that belong in Florida. The first time I caught one, it was like, ‘Wow!’ you know? But now, I’ve caught so many of them, it’s common. I don’t even think about it: I just flip the trap over and dump them out.”
Locals Are At Risk
Due to the warming waters in the Gulf of Maine, sea levels are continuously rising leading to the possibility of flooding events in coastal areas increasing. A big result of climate change has been higher tides and stronger storm surges that can contribute to floods. Waterfront communities such as Portland, Maine’s most populated city, are already being impacted. Since 1912, Portland has experienced tides exceeding the known flood stage of twelve feet, occurring at an average rate of six times annually. Now Portland see floods ten times a year, and this number is expected to continue rising. The livelihoods of fishermen and fishery workers have been threatened by the shifting of marine species that are caught commercially in Maine. A a result, sustainable harvesting of species is now being prioritized in the Gulf, where thousands depend on a thriving marine economy.
Working Towards a Solution
together to work towards a solution in response to the encroaching impacts of increased temperatures in the Gulf. Climate response plans are currently in development. They include things like revising ordinances that relate to freeboard, which enforces that a structure’s lowest floor is built or raised a certain number of feet above the minimum flood level. Local fisheries are also exploring the potential of aquaculture, the controlled cultivation of marine life. Unfortunately, the majority of fisheries in Maine are small businesses that do not have the resources to set up aquaculture projects.
Recap
The Gulf of Maine is experiencing record-high temperatures. The supply of the colder Labrador current is being overpowered by the warmer Gulf Stream current as a result of climate change. This shift is causing sea level along Maine’s coast to rise, which is threatening marsh habitats and wildlife. Locals are at higher risk for flooring and the fishing industry is concerned that with the migration of native species to cooler, northward regions, their livelihood is at risk. Although, in a time of crisis, cities of Maine have come together to work towards solutions to ensure the safely of coastal communities and the fishing industry in the future.