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Assessing vulnerability of the Atlantic Sea Scallop social-ecological system in the northeast waters of the US

Juvenile Atlantic sea scallops in an experimental tank. Credit: NOAA Fisheries

Samantha Siedlecki (University of Connecticut), Lisa Colburn (NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center), Shannon Meseck (NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center)

Why we care
The Atlantic sea scallop fishery is worth more than $500 million per year, is the second highest fisheries revenue in the United States, and the largest wild scallop fishery in the world. The vulnerability and resilience of fishing communities to the effects of warming and ocean acidification on Northeast species depends their ability to adapt to both social and environmental exposures. Prior work projecting impacts to scallops in the region found that sea scallop biomass may decline by more than 50% by the end of the century with a large impact on the fishery (Cooley et al. 2015; Rheuban et al. 2018), but new tools and lab results are available for this proposed work that may alter this assessment. This work will assess vulnerability and potential for adaptation using the latest tools and approaches and by further engaging industry members, managers and coastal communities.

What we will do
The project’s main objective is to determine the social and ecological vulnerability of the sea scallop fishery to ocean acidification and temperature changes. The team will investigate ways in which the fishery could become more resilient by identifying avenues for building adaptive capacity in light of projected changes. They will first test a spatially-explicit regional projection of changes relative to sea scallop fishing zones and use critical information on the biological response of scallops to ocean acidification and warming. In order to evaluate historical simulations and promote trust with the target audiences, the team will partner to utilize two industry collected data sets from the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation (CFRF): the CFRF/WHOI Shelf Oceanographic Research Fleet in partnership with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and the Lobster and Jonah Crab Research Fleet.

The human dimension aspect of this study addresses how selected fishing communities rely upon Atlantic sea scallop for economic and social well-being. The proposed outcomes are intended to prepare these communities for the impact of ocean acidification in conjunction with increased temperature to the fishery over the long term, particularly given other more immediate forces of change that may be more immediate concerns. The team will also hold industry workshops to both identify and communicate back findings. Participants in workshops will share their concerns and provide social and historical knowledge of the fishery and their views on potential modifications for management and ways to build resilience. The workshop participants ideas will be incorporated into the final recommendation, which will also be shared in workshops.

Benefits of our work
The Atlantic sea scallop is managed through rotational area management. This work will develop a recommendation for management to assist scallop industry members and managers with changes in the fishery that result from projected ocean acidification and temperature changes. Specifically, the recommendation will include identification of regions that are candidates for future fishing zones and those to consider closing or protecting through the rotational closures.

Investigators
Samantha Siedlecki, University of Connecticut
Lisa L. Colburn, NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center
Shannon Meseck, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service
Deborah Hart, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service
N. David Bethoney, Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation
Catherine Matassa, University of Connecticut
Enrique Curchitser, Rutgers University

Advisory Council
Beth Turner, Director of NECAN, NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science
Sarah Cooley, Director of Climate Policy, Ocean Conservancy
Michael Marchetti, Eastern New England Scallop Association, Owner/Operator F/V Mister G

ADAPTING TO OCEAN ACIDIFICATION

The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) works to prepare society to adapt to the consequences of ocean acidification and conserve marine ecosystems as acidification occurs. Learn more about the human connections and adaptation strategies from these efforts.

Adaptation approaches fostered by the OAP include:

FORECASTING

Using models and research to understand the sensitivity of organisms and ecosystems to ocean acidification to make predictions about the future, allowing communities and industries to prepare

MANAGEMENT

Using these models and predictions as tools to facilitate management strategies that will protect marine resources and communities from future changes

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

Developing innovative tools to help monitor ocean acidification and mitigate changing ocean chemistry locally

REDUCING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

On the Road

Drive fuel-efficient vehicles or choose public transportation. Choose your bike or walk! Don't sit idle for more than 30 seconds. Keep your tires properly inflated.

With your Food Choices

Eat local- this helps cut down on production and transport! Reduce your meat and dairy. Compost to avoid food waste ending up in the landfill

With your Food Choices

Make energy-efficient choices for your appliances and lighting. Heat and cool efficiently! Change your air filters and program your thermostat, seal and insulate your home, and support clean energy sources

By Reducing Coastal Acidification

Reduce your use of fertilizers, Improve sewage treatment and run off, and Protect and restore coastal habitats

TAKE ACTION WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

You've taken the first step to learn more about ocean acidification - why not spread this knowledge to your community?

Every community has their unique culture, economy and ecology and what’s at stake from ocean acidification may be different depending on where you live.  As a community member, you can take a larger role in educating the public about ocean acidification. Creating awareness is the first step to taking action.  As communities gain traction, neighboring regions that share marine resources can build larger coalitions to address ocean acidification.  Here are some ideas to get started:

  1. Work with informal educators, such as aquarium outreach programs and local non-profits, to teach the public about ocean acidification. Visit our Education & Outreach page to find the newest tools!
  2. Participate in habitat restoration efforts to restore habitats that help mitigate the effects of coastal acidification
  3. Facilitate conversations with local businesses that might be affected by ocean acidification, building a plan for the future.
  4. Partner with local community efforts to mitigate the driver behind ocean acidification  – excess CO2 – such as community supported agriculture, bike & car shares and other public transportation options.
  5. Contact your regional Coastal Acidification Network (CAN) to learn how OA is affecting your region and more ideas about how you can get involved in your community
       More for Taking Community Action