A Fisherman on the Front Lines of Climate Change
In his two decades fishing off Cape Cod, Kurt Martin has witnessed shifts in climate and fish availability, signaling how fishermen must adapt to the changing environment.
Ocean and Coasts
TNC in Massachusetts is improving the health and resilience of ocean and coastal ecosystems.
It is a critical moment in time to protect our planet’s ocean. Climate change and widespread biodiversity loss threaten marine ecosystems and species we depend on for food, water and air. We have a significant opportunity to address both crises. Globally, The Nature Conservancy aims to help conserve nearly 10 billion acres of ocean—10% of the world’s ocean—by 2030, and in Massachusetts, where the ocean is our livelihood, we’re working to improve management of almost 8.9 million acres of ocean so that biodiversity can thrive even as conditions shift.
2030 Goals by the Numbers
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5,700
acres of critical coastal habitats better managed
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500
fishermen engaged to support sustainable livelihoods
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8.9 M
marine acres receiving improved management
A healthy ocean ecosystem is better equipped to adapt to the effects of climate change and deliver benefits to people and the planet, like regulating temperature, absorbing carbon dioxide, providing food, and supporting and protecting coastal communities. Not to mention the recreational opportunities for which we value the ocean and coast.
In Massachusetts, we’re working from ponds and rivers along the coast, to estuaries where freshwater meets saltwater, and out into the sea to improve the health and strength of ocean and coastal ecosystems. Our work focuses on:
- Increasing healthy and functional coastal habitats
- Supporting and expanding sustainble aquaculture
- Partnering to adapt fisheries management as the warming ocean changes species dynamics
- Pursuing nature-based solutions for cleaner coastal waters
Benefits of Aquaculture
TNC and partners collaborated on a three year research project to quantify the environmental benefits oyster farming can provide using underwater cameras at oyster farms.
© James Miller/TNC
Aquaculture
The practice of farming plants and animals in water—like oysters—can improve water quality, create habitat, increase biodiversity, provide food and support livelihoods. Working alongside shellfish farmers and research partners is how we're shaping a healthy coast.
Fisheries Management
A fisherman measures his catch in view of the electronic monitoring cameras. Video reviewers will convert lengths to weight to be used for science and management.
© Ayla Fox
Electronic Monitoring
Electronic monitoring is a powerful tool for harvest management, allowing regulators to gather more data on the fish caught in our waters. In partnership with local fishermen, video cameras are installed on fishing boats to measure catch. What started as a pilot program is now fully integrated into New England’s groundfish fishery.
Quote: Steve Kirk
Steve Kirk Coastal Program Director for TNC in Massachusetts. © Ayla Fox
We are working on both habitat restoration and sustainable shellfish farming, because we think both can provide similar and complementary benefits for water quality, habitat and coastal livelihoods.
Coastal Program Director, TNC in Massachusetts
What is blue carbon? The ocean and climate change
More Ocean and Coasts Stories
Explore a few examples of our work to protect and restore ocean and coastal health.
