News

The Northeast Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem—an area that extends from the Gulf of Maine to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina—experienced the highest sea surface temperatures ever recorded during the first six months of this year.

Additionally, above average temperatures extended all the way down to the sea floor. Temperatures were as high as 6°C higher than historic averages.

Kevin Friedland, a scientist from the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) expressed his concern, saying, “changes in ocean temperatures and the timing of the spring plankton bloom could affect the biological clocks of many marine species, which spawn at specific times of the year based on environmental cues like water temperature."

Already changes have been observed: the annual spring plankton bloom began earlier than usual and lasted longer and the Atlantic cod population shifted to more northeastern locations.

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