History of New England Fisheries

Catalog description

The History of New England Fisheries integrates social, economic, and biological approaches to explore the significance of fishing in the New England region, from pre-Columbian through modern times. Emphasis will be placed on four case fisheries from Maine: cod, salmon, lobster, and scallops. The course uses a variety of approaches to examine how history informs fisheries policy and management, including mapping and analysis of historical landings data, the value of fisheries as commerce, current fisheries publications and local meetings, and oral histories. Contemporary issues of global food shortage, industrialization, and climate change will be discussed through a historical lens. The course includes field trips to locations within the Downeast Fisheries Trail.