Seawater temperatures in the Gulf of Maine are more than 4 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than average, rising dramatically since the early 2000s and rising 96% faster than the ocean, reports the Gulf of Maine Institute.

David Goethel, a Gulf of Maine fisherman since the late 1960s and a 1975 Boston University graduate, said:

To address the problems caused by the impacts of climate change in the Gulf of Maine region, which stretches from Cape Cod to Nova Scotia, the Science Museum held a discussion panel last Tuesday with museum staff, experts from various institutions, and members of the Boston community. hosted the

“The main purpose is to be an educational and enlightening tool, and to facilitate discussion about the complex issues emerging in the Gulf of Maine as the climate changes,” said a member of the Science Communications Department. Jonathan Fanning said. .

The panel will be divided into three parts to describe climate change in the Gulf of Maine and its impact on black sea bass populations, initiate interactive group discussions to brainstorm solutions, and build wind turbines in the Gulf of Maine. I just finished a presentation on strategic locations for Main.

Sarah Winslow, current science communications staff at the museum, said the event was “part of a larger project on seafood, sustainability and climate change” in the Gulf of Maine.

“The first expectation is education and educating everyone who is working on these important issues,” said Winslow. “Many of these issues are not well known to the general public, so it’s always a plus to talk about it, spread the word, and educate people more.”

Susan Heilmann, the science museum’s current science communication program manager, said the museum has food-focused grants and is doing so through a climate change lens.

“What we wanted to do was talk about the relationship between seafood and climate change,” Heilmann said. “this [event] It takes a closer look at climate change itself, and what’s happening in the Gulf of Maine, and the expansion of black sea bass into the Gulf of Maine as a result of climate change. ”

Heilman said the event has two goals. One is to “create an educational tool” and the second is to send his forum templates to other groups to use.

“I think it’s really important that we can educate more people about this,” says Heilman. “The more we know about this, the more people can change their habits that could reduce the impact of climate change.”

Priscilla Louie, an event attendee and three-time BU alumnus, said she attended a similar event over the summer and returned to the museum because she “enjoyed the session so much.” She said the Gulf of Maine event “exceeded my expectations.”

“I met some really cool people at the table. I learned a lot about black sea bass and wind turbines,” said Louis. “I hope the science museum will continue to offer these community events. They are great learning experiences.”

Event attendee Angela Garabet said she appreciated the “diversity of people” in the discussion.

“It was nice to have this kind of community conversation,” said Garabet. “It often feels like we’re stuck in the bubble of the world and never really have a chance to catch up and have a conversation.”

Garavet said he attended the event because he found it “fascinating” to hear the community discuss climate change.

“If you have the opportunity to participate in one of these events, it’s great. “I know nothing about fishing … and hearing from analysts gives me a different perspective than just looking at the little news headlines.”