The Gulf of Maine is warming 97% faster than all other oceans around the world, according to investigations led by scientists at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. As a result of climate change, increasingly warm waters are posing a significant threat to marine ecosystems everywhere. For example, as the temperatures in the Gulf rise, so do sea levels which initiate flooding and strong storm surges. Another devastating impact of climate change is the disruption in biodiversity which has impacted the livelihoods of fishermen and ultimately the region’s economy.
To profile the environmental changes taking place in this distinctive section of the ocean, AVDF funded the three-part NOVA special presentation Sea Change: The Gulf of Maine. The documentary series captures the uniquely beautiful aspects of the Gulf and the catastrophic impacts of climate change. The series premiered on PBS July 24, 2024, and tells the story of the 36,000 square-mile underwater treasure which is home to over 3,000 species.
Scientists and other observers predict that the environmental threats happening in the Gulf of Maine are a harbinger for what’s to come worldwide.
“What once provided a seemingly endless supply of cod fish, lobsters, and clams, now allows us to witness firsthand the devastating changes brought on by climate change. It’s my hope that this series serves as a cautionary tale, as well as a tribute to one of my favorite places,” said Brian Skerry, longtime National Geographic underwater photographer, in a Forbes feature about the region.
Skerry is a producer of the Sea Change series, which uses science, exploration, natural history, and human experience to share the unique characteristics of the Gulf of Maine while also exposing its vulnerabilities due to climate change. The NOVA program is part of a bigger project by Skerry to document the Gulf’s ecosystem and rapid climate changes. The region was covered by National Geographic which profiled the biodiversity and adaptability of the Gulf while also highlighting the specific detrimental impacts to the ocean due to climate change.
While climate change has rapidly changed the biodiversity and other elements of the Gulf of Maine, researchers believe that the unique qualities of the region provide an opportunity to develop resilience and adaptation strategies which could be implemented in other parts of the world. According to the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, lessons learned from studying the Gulf can assist with developing climate solutions for coastal communities everywhere.
Climate solutions is also the focus of a short-form digital series that is an accompaniment of the Sea Change documentary. The digital series profiles climate issues and solutions for Native communities across the country. For more information about Sea Change: The Gulf of Maine, click here.
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