To understand and predict our changing environment, from the deep sea to outer space, and to manage and conserve America's coastal and marine resources.
The grant program focuses on the sustainability and future of the American lobster fishery amidst environmental and socio-economic uncertainties. With recent significant fluctuations in lobster populations and the economic implications of these changes, particularly in Maine, the program seeks to support research that documents these shifts, fills knowledge gaps, and prepares communities for the future. It places a strong emphasis on understanding the ecological aspects of the American lobster in the changing environment, the economic resilience of the fishing industry, and the cultural identity of the coastal communities dependent on this fishery. By examining the social and economic systems affected by regulatory and environmental changes, the grant aims to enhance the resilience of these communities and the lobster industry, mitigating negative impacts while fostering emerging opportunities.