Addressing Impacts of Shifting Environmental Conditions on Working Waterfronts

This report is produced by the Urban Harbors Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston in collaboration with the National Working Waterfront Network. It focuses on the challenges and opportunities faced by working waterfronts due to shifting environmental conditions, particularly those arising from climate change. The document outlines the significance of working waterfronts, which are essential for water-dependent enterprises and contribute to the U.S. economy. It discusses the impacts of sea level rise, increased storm intensity, and changing water levels in the Great Lakes on these waterfronts. The report details how rising sea levels and more severe storms threaten infrastructure and access to working waterfronts, potentially leading to economic losses and community changes. Additionally, it highlights the effects of warming waters on species distribution and habitat, emphasizing the need for informed decision-making to address these environmental challenges.