Institute of Island Studies hosts public presentation about climate change and the lobster industry

PEI lobster fisher Marlene Chapman will give a talk titled “How adaptive is the PEI lobster fishery? An exploration of climate change and the social structures influencing the local fishery” on December 10, 2024, at 7 pm, in the Faculty Lounge, SDU Main Building, UPEI.

Chapman, who fishes out of Murray Harbour, PEI, recently completed her Master of Arts in Island Studies graduate thesis on climate adaptation in the PEI lobster fishery. 

“The lobster fishery has been a prominent feature of the Island’s economy and culture for over 150 years,” she said. “In recent decades, it has become the most lucrative fishery in all of North America. Is it threatened by climate change? How adaptable are our fishers? What is the government’s role in protecting this fishery and the communities that depend on it?”

During her presentation, Chapman will share the findings of her research, which was informed by interviews with local fishers, her personal experience, and evidence found in scholarly and other literature.

This presentation is part of the Institute of Island Studies’ 2024 Island Lecture Series. All are welcome to attend.