The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fishing and Boating Services Unit has been awarded $96,572 from the nonprofit Blue Convergence Fund to develop a climate-resilient fishery management plan for the state.
The project was funded in February 2026 as part of the 2025 Climate Resilient Fisheries Engagement Grants. Maryland’s proposal was one of only 11 accepted globally.
In 2025 the Maryland General Assembly passed and Governor Wes Moore signed the Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act. The legislation expands climate resilience planning across state-managed fisheries. In response, DNR will create a framework that uses adaptation and resilience strategies to help managers prepare for environmental and climate change.
“Climate change is already impacting Maryland,” said DNR Resilient Systems Officer Jackie Specht. “A climate resilient fishery management plan will allow Maryland to prepare for both the challenges and opportunities that arise for Maryland’s fishing resources and communities in the future.”
The Chesapeake Bay’s water temperatures have warmed approximately 2.5°C since 1985. Sea-level rise has converted 29,100 acres of upland forests and farms to tidal marsh since 1984. These changes affect the ecology of coastal ecosystems, recreational and commercial fishing operations, and the state’s ability to manage fisheries resources. Southern Maryland’s fishing communities, which rely on blue crabs, striped bass and other Bay species, face particular challenges from shifting habitats and water conditions.
DNR plans to coordinate climate change data from regional partners, share that information with fishing communities and use local knowledge to build a collaborative management framework. The plan could be adopted into existing state fisheries regulations to support long-term resilience.
DNR is now accepting applications for a fishery management plan workgroup. The group will include state fishery managers, scientific experts and fishing community members. Workgroup members will attend meetings, gather information and help draft and review the plan.
Any adult living in the Chesapeake Bay watershed who is interested in developing adaptation and resilience strategies for Maryland’s fisheries may apply. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on May 13. Workgroup activities are expected to run from spring 2026 to spring 2027.
The application form and submission details are available on the DNR website.
