PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 1, 2024
I recently had the opportunity to travel to Kodiak, Alaska. The collapse of two crab fisheries there due to human-induced warming waters is a stark reminder of what might be in store for Maine's lobster industry. Maine’s wild fisheries and its burgeoning aquaculture sector are at a pivotal moment, grappling with the unprecedented challenges posed by climate change. Historical conditions are becoming increasingly irrelevant for understanding ecosystem dynamics as climate change continues to shape our future. To ensure the survival and prosperity of Maine’s waterfront communities, adapting and evolving these industries is not just an option – it’s a necessity. ~ Hugh Cowperthwaite, Coastal Enterprises Inc.