A Data-Driven History of Gloucester's Fisheries

This paper presents the preliminary results of an investigation into the socio-ecological history of the Gloucester fisheries, focusing on the interactions between humans and marine ecosystems. It explores how these interactions are reflected on land through the built environment and assesses the impact of human activity on marine life. The study is part of a broader research project examining the industrialization of fisheries along the North Atlantic coast. The primary objectives of this research are to establish a historical timeline of the Gloucester fisheries, integrate statistical and geospatial data, and explore modalities for visualizing and communication. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study is organized around five datasets that combine written, statistical, and geospatial evidence: Fishing Grounds, Fishing Fleet, Population Shifts, Fisheries Footprint, and Processing Plants. Although the results are still inconclusive, this research aims to lay the groundwork for an experimental methodology that will be further developed. The goal is to enhance historical analysis by introducing an ecological perspective, assessing the pressures on ecosystems, and grounding the analysis in quantitative statistical and geospatial data.