Our Dynamic Gulf of Maine: A Place of Urgency and Hope
The Gulf of Maine is historically known for its cold waters, featuring high biodiversity and a rich history of productive fishing grounds. Climate change is having a particular impact on the Gulf as it is warming faster than most of the world’s oceans.
As water temperatures in the Gulf of Maine warm, species are impacted. For some, the conditions are becoming too warm and their suitable geographic range is shrinking. For other species, the warming provides an opportunity to expand their habitat into an area that was previously too cold. Because of the complex food web in the marine ecosystem, these impacts can ripple out to other species as their food sources are affected. Warming waters cause other effects in the Gulf of Maine, including ocean acidification, extreme weather events, and sea level rise.
Our Dynamic Gulf of Maine helps visitors understand the urgency and hope of this unique, highly productive, and rapidly changing ecosystem.
The Lobster Trap
Get hands-on with a live lobster and learn about the northward migration of the lobsters due to their need for colder waters.
Captured in Currents
Discover how changing currents cause wayward tropical fish to become stranded in the Gulf of Maine and how you can contribute to the Gulf Stream Orphan Project.
Coastal Invaders
Find out how native species, including soft-shell clams and eelgrass, are being destroyed by an influx of invaders like green crabs and learn how you can take part in The NH Green Crab Project.
Cashes Ledge: Crown Jewel of the Gulf of Maine
On the Move
UNH Exploration, Science, and Solutions
Featuring University of New Hampshire School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering’s Multi-Trophic Aquaculture project taking place in the Gulf of Maine, this tank showcases the innovative farming techniques that can be implemented locally and globally.
Special thanks go to our corporate & nonprofit partners Davis Conservation Foundation, Partners Bank, and UNH Sea Grant; and In-Kind Partners: Gaia Live, GetMaineLobster.com, Portsmouth Quality Flooring, and Winter Holben Architecture + Design for their contributions. Special thanks also go to the individuals and the SSC Board of Directors, who generously supported this project.
