A close look at Maine’s efforts

Morris’s thesis, an engaged research project in collaboration with the Fishery Friendly Climate Action Campaign (FFCAC), thoroughly examines Maine’s efforts to include fishermen in its climate planning. The results reveal both successes and missed opportunities, with lessons for other states building their own climate action plans. 

Morris found that fishermen often face the brunt of climate change—experiencing shifting fish populations, intense storms, and other direct impacts—yet they are often excluded from high-level planning, especially in the context of mitigation strategies such as offshore wind development or decarbonization modeling. Instead, their input tends to be reactive, limited to feedback only after the decisions have been made. 

“Through a series of interviews with participants in the Coastal and Marine Working Group of the Maine Won’t Wait plan, I gathered data on what worked and didn’t work in terms of fishermen’s engagement. I then presented this information to fishermen through a webinar hosted by the FFCAC and to state planners through a newsletter distributed by the FFCAC,” Morris explained.

Morris’s presentations offer practical guidance to encourage more collaborative climate strategies that reduce emissions while protecting coastal livelihoods. 

Broader lessons for other states 

These findings highlight a critical gap: while Maine’s Coastal and Marine Working Group brought fishermen into adaptation discussions, they were largely excluded from broader conversations about decarbonization pathways.

Morris’s work couldn’t be more timely: with 46 states currently developing Comprehensive Climate Action Plans (CCAPS), her research provides a blueprint for making these processes more inclusive.

Collaborating on equitable climate solutions  

Morris emphasized the importance of fishermen’s unique temporal and spatial knowledge in fishery governance. Her work suggests that climate solution processes must be deliberately structured to welcome and effectively integrate this knowledge in order to be successful. Engaging fishing communities directly in identifying “fishery-friendly” decarbonization pathways is key to ensuring that climate policies are effective. 

By centering fishermen’s lived expertise—and exposing barriers like lack of compensation, time constraints, and distrust of government—Morris’s thesis points toward climate policies that are not only effective but equitable and enduring.

Reflecting on the process, Morris credits her thesis advisor, Associate Teaching Professor Leslie Acton, and fisherman and advocate Sarah Schumann for their guidance throughout the project. 

“The highlight of my thesis was collaborating with Sarah, whose insights and lived experience reshaped my perspective on climate action,” Morris adds. “Professor Acton was also an invaluable mentor in navigating the complexities of working with a community partner. I am so grateful to Leslie and Sarah for being such wonderful advisors throughout the year!”