Page updated on 09/26/07
 

How May Changes in Climate and Temperature Impact the Gulf of Maine Fisheries
Examples from Herring to Shrimp
 

    
     Climate scientists generally agree that the Earth is warming. But what kind of changes will this mean for fisheries? How are scientists unraveling the possible impact of climate changes on smaller areas, like the Gulf of Maine? How do short term temperature shifts play a role in fisheries? This session discussed work being conducted on how temperature and climate may influence the future of Maine’s fisheries. Presentations included an overview of a long-term study in the Gulf of Maine and the types of biological changes that were experienced in the 1990s as a result of these changes. We also reviewed the findings from a short-term study in 2002-2004 of the impact of temperature on the timing and migration of shrimp. Other trends that should be considered by scientists when doing this kind of research and the use of fishing vessels as a part of the GoM observing system for climate change were also talked about.

     Host:  Paul Anderson, Maine Sea Grant