The connection between fisheries resources and spatial land use change: The case of two New England fish ports

This study examined interactions between targeted fish populations, aspects of the fishing industry and land use changes along two ports in New England. By tracking changes in land uses over a two-decade period using parcel level data and geographic information system (GIS) tools, we examined the relationship of changes in species biomass, landings and other fishing industry variables to community spatial change. Using logistic regression models we assessed the impacts on essential infrastructure for continued fishing industry activity. Our findings have implications for land use policy that should accompany efforts being made to rehabilitate fish stocks; it should ensure that current marine infrastructure will remain in place to support the fishing industry if and when species rebound. Our models show that in New Bedford Harbor, the larger of the two ports, increasing scallop biomass (considered a long-term factor) is associated with the increase of marine-related land uses. In Provincetown Harbor, short-term factors, such as value and volume of fish landings as well as stock sizes, influence land use change. These findings suggest that the smaller port (Provincetown) is more vulnerable to market conditions and therefore in need of greater land use controls to prevent the conversion of marine-related uses. We propose some directions for further research and present the methodology used as one that can be applied to research questions of a similar nature.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ This research models the implementation of a unique approach to gauging the extent of influence that marine resources conditions, particularly fisheries, have on the spatial make-up of communities. ▶ The relationship between changes in marine resource abundance and industry data on waterfront land uses is measurable. ▶ The models of the relationship developed indicate that the status of important stocks and the quantity and value of landings correspond to changes in marine-related land use activities in the two fishing ports that serve as case studies. However, results suggest that changing marine resources will influence different communities in different ways. ▶ New Bedford-Fairhaven Harbor, a regional center for commercial fishing in New England, has maintained its marine-related land uses despite fluctuations in fish stocks, while Provincetown Harbor, a smaller port, has been more vulnerable to shifts in fisheries activities. ▶ In New Bedford, land use change decisions are driven by long-term factors, as reflected by fish biomass alone. By contrast, Provincetown land use change seems to be affected by more short-term changes in fish harvesting and fish biomass.