ROCKPORT – A single degree change in the temperature of the Gulf of Maine waters can mean the difference between shrimp laying eggs or not laying eggs, said Chilloa Young, coordinator of the annual Maine Fishermen’s Forum.

Accordingly, a seminar on the impact of climate change on the fisheries industry is likely to be a hot topic at the 32nd annual forum, scheduled for March 1-3 at the Samoset Resort.

“I think this is going to be our best year ever,” Young said Monday, as she surveyed the list of seminars and speakers for the event.

In addition to the climate change discussion, scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, a host of other topics important to the volatile fishing industry will be explored.

Another issue with a wide-ranging impact on fisheries, the future of herring, will be tackled in all-day discussion on Thursday, March 1.

Representatives from the New England Fisheries Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission will give updates on regulation changes and the status of the stock. There will also be a panel discussion with industry stakeholders.

“It’s an issue that will affect a lot of the fisheries,” Young said.

Lobster fishing depends on herring as a source of bait. Tuna and other larger fish feed on herring, so the smaller fish is key to success for those pursuing the bigger species.

Saturday’s schedule also includes a workshop on “A Science and World Approach to the Fisheries,” and a look at the innovative Down East groundfish initiative, a pilot plan developed by Stonington’s Ted Ames to rebuilt cod and other stock.

A Friday, March 2 workshop will examine invasive marine species such as green crabs and the lobster shell disease, Young said.

And also on Friday, a dramatic presentation by New Hampshire fisherman Jason Lemos, titled “Commercial Fishing … At Your Own Risk,” will recount surviving a boat sinking.

“He’s lucky to be alive,” Young said of Lemos.

An expert in mussel aquaculture from France is also on the schedule, she said.

“It’s going to be such a good year,” Young said of this year’s forum. “There’s a lot of hot topics.”

Other topics on the three-day forum schedule include:

. A look at a new ventless lobster trap.

. The latest in whale-safe lobster gear.

. Urchins and halibut aquaculture.

. Municipal shellfish planting – who benefits?

For more information, contact Young by telephone at 442-7700; by e-mail at Coordinator@mainefishermensforum.org, or visit: www.mainefishermensforum.org/