| Abstract | This workshop focused on current and future applications of
seafloor mapping for fisheries management in the Gulf of
Maine. Thirty-five fisheries scientists and managers,
geologists, and benthic ecologists met at the Gulf of Maine
Research Institute on April 15-16, 2009 to examine ways that
seafloor geophysical and habitat maps can be integrated with
ecological and fisheries research data in order to address
pressing fisheries management priorities in this region. The
workshop was convened by the Gulf of Maine Research
Institute (GMRI) and Gulf of Maine Mapping Initiative
(GOMMI) with funding and contributions from the Maine,
New Hampshire, Woods Hole, and MIT Sea Grant College
Programs; NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service and
Office of Atmospheric Research; U.S. Geological Survey;
Gulf of Maine Research Institute; Maine Coastal Program;
and Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment.
This two-day workshop brought fisheries managers and
scientists together with the mapping community in a unique
opportunity to collectively explore how seafloor maps can be
used to address regional fisheries management objectives
(Objective 3 & 4). Introductory presentations provided
perspectives from the fisheries management, fisheries science,
and seafloor mapping communities on current and potential
uses of seafloor mapping data in regional fisheries
management (Objective 1 & 2). Case-study presentations provided examples from coastal and
offshore locations throughout the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank of practical efforts to
integrate fisheries management, seafloor mapping, and benthic ecology (Objective 1). A subset
of these presentations is available on-line (see links below). In two breakout sessions,
participants identified the specific opportunities and barriers that must be addressed to enhance
the use and efficacy of seafloor mapping for fisheries management in this region (Objective 3).
Objectives:
1) Summarize the status
of seabed mapping &
its current use in
regional fisheries
management
2) Define the importance
and potential uses of
seabed geophysical
and habitat maps in
Gulf of Maine fisheries
management
3) Convene fisheries
managers and benthic
and fisheries scientists
to collectively define
priorities (and
obstacles) for applying
seafloor substrate and
habitat maps in Gulf of
Maine fisheries
management
4) Enhance
communication and
collaboration between
mapping, fisheries
research, and
management entities
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