Groundfish

Richest Habitat

The Gulf of Maine contains some of the richest habitat for groundfish in the world, as the confluence of the cold Labrador Current and the warm Gulf Stream over large offshore banks and a shallow coastal shelf provides a rich upwelling of nutrients.  This area has attracted fish and fishermen for thousands of years, and has provided the economic-base of coastal communities since colonial times.

The Island Institute is currently collaborating with fishermen, scientists, nonprofit and governmental organizations, and many other interests to help rebuild groundfish stocks to a level that sustains the fishery as well as the communities who depend on groundfish for future sustainability.