2024 Research Progress Update

2024 Research Highlights

Research Milestones

Warming Report
Our warming reports, led by Dave Reidmiller, Kathy Mills, Adam Kemberling, and Dave Berndtson continue to drive regional awareness of rapid warming in the Gulf of Maine, spotlighting critical climate change impacts on local ecosystems.

Casco Bay Ecosystem Report (CBER)
We launched the first annual CBER, synthesizing nearly a decade of monitoring data. Led by Janet Duffy-Anderson, Graham Sherwood, Katie Lankowicz, and Dave Berndtson the report examines ocean heat’s impact on local ecosystems and communities.

Offshore Wind Task Force

Our Offshore Wind (OSW) Task Force, led by Hannah MacDonald, integrates research and engagement efforts to support informed OSW development. Team members serve on state and national advisory panels, including Maine’s Offshore Wind Research Consortium and the National Academies’ Standing Committee on Offshore Wind and Fisheries.

Advancing Data Infrastructure

We’ve initiated a multi-year project to build a centralized data management system led by Riley Young-Morse. Our pilot system now houses 10 years of field data, ensuring robust, scalable stewardship of our historical and future data assets.

Expanding Research Capacity

To meet increasing demand for climate-informed solutions, we’ve made efforts to grow our research team:

• Dr. Jerome Pinti joined to establish a Biological Oceanography Lab.
• New hires include roles in eDNA, coastal dynamics, bioeconomic modeling, fisheries economics, web development, and AI applications in fisheries.

Building Partnerships

University of New England (UNE)
We’re formalizing a partnership with UNE to enhance marine science programs and jointly develop the next generation of ocean and climate leaders. This collaboration will provide students with applied research opportunities and mentorship from GMRI scientists.

Northeastern University
Through a partnership with the Roux Institute, we’re advancing AI applications in climate-ecosystem resilience. A joint effort is already improving lobster predictions, with potential expansion funded by the Bezos Earth Fund.

Quahog Bay Conservancy (QBC)
In partnership with QBC and the University of Maine, we’re expanding undergraduate research opportunities. Students gain hands-on experience, collaborate with GMRI researchers, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications, including the Casco Bay Ecosystem Report.

University of Maine (UMaine)
After 15 years, UMaine will conclude its co-located faculty relationship with GMRI due to budget constraints. While Drs. Walt Golet and Lisa Kerr will leave our campus, UMaine remains a key partner. We’ll continue collaborating on science, research, and engagement benefiting Maine and beyond.

We are committed to strengthening our research and partnerships to address pressing global ocean challenges, ensuring lasting impact across ecosystems, communities, and economies.

Lab Updates

Fisheries Ecology Lab

Led by Dr. Graham Sherwood, the Fisheries Ecology Lab continues to pioneer observational research and innovation in fisheries management:

Casco Bay Aquatic Systems Survey (CBASS):

• CBASS monitors nearshore marine ecosystems, tracking changes driven by warming, dam removals, and nutrient runoff. Expanded activities include hook-and-line and active acoustic surveys in offshore areas, alongside ongoing seine surveys (~800 hauls to date) and alewife migration monitoring.
• Collaboration with UNH integrates acoustic receiver data and tracking of 70 tagged cod to study spatial and temporal overlap with prey species. Findings provide insights into predator-prey dynamics and ecosystem health.

eDNA Research and Validation:

• NOAA Omics and NSF EPSCoR-funded projects evaluate eDNA as a fisheries assessment tool, comparing it against traditional survey methods.
• A new eDNA lab, operational this summer under Research Associate Sam Bengs, supports qPCR analysis for CBASS and other projects.

Gear Innovation:

• NOAA BREP funding supports industry adoption of Ultra Low Opening Trawls (ULOTs), now in use on five vessels to improve groundfish fishery sustainability.

Team Contributions:

• Dr. Katie Lankowicz applies spatio-temporal modeling to understand groundfish habitat associations and survey accuracy.
• Zach Whitener focuses on life-history variation in gadids and ecosystem climate resilience, while managing research vessel operations.
• Senior Research Associate Aaron Whitman advances CBASS and gear innovation efforts.

The lab’s efforts position it as a leader in fisheries monitoring, sustainable management practices, and cutting-edge eDNA methodologies.

Integrated Systems Ecology Lab

Dr. Kathy Mills leads the lab in addressing climate-driven changes in marine ecosystems by combining ecological and social science expertise:

Research Highlights:

• Published studies document higher ocean temperatures, revealing species distribution shifts, reduced population productivity, and size-at-age changes.
• Species distribution modeling examines predator-prey overlap, functional traits, and environmental drivers, advancing understanding of ecosystem dynamics.

Adaptation Tools and Outreach:

• Developed the Climate Adaptation Resource Hub, featuring 16 community-focused reports and guides for planning and resilience in fishing communities.
• Investigated fishery adaptation strategies, including permit access and quota allocation adjustments, to address shifting species distributions.

Global Leadership through FishSCORE2030:

• Hosted workshops and webinars to share strategies for climate-resilient fisheries.
• Expanded climate resilience assessment and planning initiatives through direct partnerships in places such as Fiji, and supported the efforts of projects aligned to FishSCORE through the UN Ocean Decade.

Emerging Research:

• Investigating Arctic climate impacts on American lobster and Atlantic salmon populations.
• Supporting habitat restoration projects, including marsh and eelgrass carbon sequestration studies.

The lab’s integration of data modeling, community engagement, and resilience planning drives actionable solutions for fisheries facing climate challenges.

Coastal and Marine Economics Lab

Under Dr. Kanae Tokunaga, the lab explores how socioeconomic and environmental changes influence marine resource users and coastal communities:

Bioeconomic Modeling:

• Developing agent-based models to simulate climate impacts on American lobster fisheries, incorporating harvester adaptation strategies.
• Exploring equity and wellbeing in catch share programs using Bayesian modeling approaches informed by stakeholder input.

Offshore Wind Economics:

• Collaborating with our Energy Solutions Program to identify community benefit attributes for offshore wind development.
• Supported by NOAA and state funding, the lab studies socioeconomic impacts of wind energy on fishing communities.

The lab’s participatory research methods ensure that economic models reflect real-world complexities, advancing equitable and sustainable marine resource management.

Ocean Data Products Lab

Led by Riley Young Morse, the lab creates tools to manage and visualize complex ocean data, supporting diverse stakeholders:

NERACOOS:

• Developed a data dashboard to access real-time tide gauge observations, predicted tides, and flooding forecasts for an expanding network of water level gauges being deployed throughout the northeast.

GMRI Data Integration:

• Developed a data portal on the Ecosystem Investigation Network to view community collected coastal flooding observations and storm damage reports in the context of local tide gauge data measurements.

The lab’s advancements in data infrastructure enhance regional monitoring efforts and establish GMRI as a leader in marine data integration and application.

Biological Oceanography Lab

Dr. Jerome Pinti’s new lab focuses on interactions between biotic and abiotic factors in marine ecosystems:

Research Goals:

• Investigating zooplankton and predator behaviors, movements, and ecosystem impacts using biologging and advanced imaging techniques.
• Integrating field data with statistical and numerical modeling to answer complex ecological questions.

Future Capacity:

• Plans to acquire underwater gliders for offshore monitoring projects, strengthening GMRI’s capacity for biological and physical sampling.

The lab aims to bridge ecological and oceanographic disciplines, positioning GMRI for innovative research in the Gulf of Maine and beyond.

Climate Center

Directed by Dr. Dave Reidmiller, the Climate Center expands its role in delivering science, engagement, and solutions for climate resilience:

Community Engagement:

• Delivered climate vulnerability assessments for 10+ coastal municipalities and launched the Municipal Climate Action Program (MCAP).
• Developed a Climate Financing Program to support funding strategies for municipal and business climate projects.

Scientific Advancements:

• Collaborating with RES to hire a Physical Oceanographer, enhancing interdisciplinary research on climate impacts and ecosystem responses.

Energy Solutions Program:

• Secured nearly $1M in funding to explore fisheries coexistence and build the capacity for communities to engage in the offshore wind development process.

Coastal Dynamics Lab:

• Installed new coastal tide gauges in Maine and collaborated with NERACOOS to support a continued expansion of the Northeast's coastal tide gauge network, with the aim of improving near-term flood forecasting and community flood preparedness in the region.
• Developing tools, models, reports, and technical guidance that support development and application of localized coastal flood risk information. This included collaborating with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to write the first technical guidance in support of Maine's rule to "commit to manage" the intermediate sea level rise scenario.
• Developing emerging areas of research on: 1) Assessing the stability, habitat quality, and carbon stock in Maine's tidal flats by integrating harvester knowledge with advanced field, lab, remote sensing, and machine learning techniques; and 2) Developing a fundamental understanding of the atmospheric patterns and coastal surge and wave impacts associated extratropical cyclones that bring strong southeasterly winds to Maine's coast

With expanded staff and programs, the Climate Center is addressing urgent climate challenges through actionable science, strategic partnerships, and innovative community solutions.

This comprehensive work across labs showcases GMRI’s leadership in addressing global ocean challenges through impactful research, partnerships, and practical applications.

Service, Recognition, and Awards

Janet Duffy-Anderson

• Chapter Lead Author, Ocean and Marine Resources, Sixth National Climate Assessment
• US Representative for Science, Gulf of Maine Council
• Member, National Academy of Sciences Standing Committee on Offshore Wind
• Member, NERACOOS, Board of Directors
• Advisor, DFO-NMFS Climate and Fisheries Collaboration Network, Arctic Region
• Advisor, NOAA Fisheries/AFSC, Bering Sea
• Various media engagements

Dave Reidmiller:

• Chair, Dept of the Interior Advisory Council on Climate Adaptation Science
• Member, National Academies Committee to Advise the U.S. Global Change Research Program
• Member, Guidance Committee, USGS Biodiversity & Climate Change Assessment
• External Reviewer, UMaine Climate Change Institute, NASA Earth Exchange, and USGA Northwest Climate Adaptation Center
• Member, NOAA Eastern Region Climate Team
• Author, Northeast Chapter, Fifth National Climate Assessment
• Juror, Portland Museum of Art Tidal Shift youth-climate art competition

Kanae Tokunaga:

• Lead Author, IPBES Transformative Change Assessment (Chapter 4)
• Member, Plan Development Team, Ecosystem-Based Fishery Management, New England Fisheries Management Council
• Member, Science and Technical Subcommittee, Maine Climate Council
• Member, Steering Committee, Public Waterfront Inventory, Maine Coastal Program
• Member, Advisory Board, Maine Offshore Wind Research Consortium
• Member, Executive Committee, Waterfront Alliance of Portland Harbor

Riley Young-Morse:

• Lead PI for Data Management and Cyberinfrastructure (DMAC), NERACOOS)
• Member, IOOS DMAC Working Group
• Member, XMBON DNA Working Group (IOOS MBON)
• Member, Standardizing Marine Biological Data Working Group (IOOS)

Graham Sherwood:

• Member, Advisory Board, Maine Offshore Wind Research Consortium
• Member, Casco Bay Monitoring Network
• Member, New England Groundfish Trawl Task Force (convened by Congressman Seth Moulton)

Kathy Mills:

• Lead Author, Oceans and Marine Resources chapter, Fifth National Climate Assessment
• Chair, ICES-PICES Strategic Initiative on Climate Change Impacts on Marine Ecosystems
• Member, Maine Climate Council, Scientific and Technology Subcommittee
• Member, Maine Climate Council, Coastal and Marine Working Group
• Member, UN Ocean Decade Vision 2030 Expert Working Group 3: Sustainably Feed the Global Population
• Member, SNAPP Working Group on Governing Changing Oceans
• Member, CESAB Working Group, MAESTRO [Climate Change Effects on Exploited Marine Communities]
• Various media engagements

Jerome Pinti:

• Technical Advisor, US ICCAT Advisory Committee
• Member, American Fisheries Society
• Member, American Elasmobranch Society
• Member, Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography