Canada: A Memorial University study shows warming ocean may favour cod growth but hurt snow crab

Frozen Rock Lobster

Frozen Flounder

Frozen Cod

Frozen Crab

Seafood

Published Nov 29, 2024

Tridge summary

A study conducted by a team of eight researchers from various institutions predicts the impact of climate change on the abundance and distribution of marine species, specifically focusing on snow crab, Atlantic cod, and yellowtail flounder in the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. The research indicates significant changes by the end of the century, with snow crab biomass expected to decrease by about 60% due to warming waters, which are less favorable for this species. In contrast, Atlantic cod is projected to benefit from warmer waters, experiencing increased biomass, particularly in the southern Grand Banks. Yellowtail flounder also faces challenges as it requires colder sea-bottom temperatures, which will become scarcer. This study is based on data from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and climate change projections, aiming to guide fishery management decisions and the future of fishing enterprises. The researchers emphasize the need for long-term strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change on these species and the fishing industry, while also highlighting the potential positive impacts on lobster in Newfoundland.

Disclaimer: The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Warming oceans will inevitably affect the abundance and distribution of marine species, and a new study is offering some insight into what to expect for a few of them. It might be welcome news for some and not so much for others. The study — conducted by a team of eight researchers from the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University, the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and Dalhousie University — explored the effects climate change could have on snow crab, Atlantic cod and yellowtail flounder. Researchers used species distribution models to understand habitat changes due to warming waters on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland and assessed long-term projections as far ahead as the year 2100. Poor prospect for snow crab The study found that biomass losses were most pronounced for snow crab, specifically at the north and south ends of the Grand Banks. “By the end of the century, snow crab biomass is expected to decline by about 60 per cent ...

Source: Saltwire