This project will bring together Maryland state fishery managers, scientific experts, and fishing community members to collaboratively develop a climate resilient fishery management plan for state-managed fisheries.
In 2025, the State of Maryland passed legislation to expand climate resilience planning and implementation efforts across state-managed fisheries. In response to this expanded authority, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) will develop a fishery management plan (FMP) that provides a framework for using adaptation and resilience strategies and enables fisheries managers to prepare for climate change.
This project will support the MDNR in conducting a public process to develop the FMP, by convening fisheries managers, climate professionals, scientific experts, and fisheries participants to:
- Exchange data and industry knowledge;
- Establish shared goals and objectives; and
- Co-develop management strategies.
These efforts will result in the potential adoption of the FMP into existing state fisheries regulations.
This project was funded in February 2026 as part of the 2025 Climate Resilient Fisheries Engagement Grants.
