SEAFOOD.COM NEWS [ABC] PORTLAND, Maine — November 11, 2013 — Researchers are saying the weather has caused unprecedented challenges for commercial fisheries in Maine.
A new study said that the water temperature in the Gulf of Maine is warming, and that warmer water is bringing new fish species, while others are disappearing.
Scientists said cod, for example, have disappeared from some gulf waters, and they aren't sure where they went.
Captain Mike Russo has fished off of Cape Cod since 1984, but this year he moved his operation to Portland.
"I came to Maine this year because the fish have pretty much evaporated from the Cape where I fished for a long time," said Russo.
Russo said a couple of warm years have increased the water temperature in the Gulf of Maine. He said the fish are on the move and it has made for some rough years for fishermen.
"My gut's telling me it's cyclical. It's just a matter if you don't bleed out before they come back, and things get better again," said Russo.
The Gulf of Maine Research Institute in Portland is tracking the changes. Scientists report a three-to-five degree increase in water temperature since 2012 and it is having a trickle-down effect.
"Cod have disappeared. We don't know where they've gone. Potentially in deep waters. The Canadians aren't finding them in their surveys either, so it's a bit of a mystery as to where they've gone to," said scientist John Annala.
Some southern species of fish are popping up more often, like Atlantic mackerel and black sea bass.
Some of these species are managed by a quota and others require a permit to catch.
"Even if they move up here, and are available to fisherman, fisherman are not legally allowed to keep them," said Russo.
Russo also said it would be too costly to invest in gear and permits to catch another species of fish after years of catching groundfish.
Researchers said they hope their findings can help improve fish management and enable fishermen to continue their livelihood.
This story originally appeared on Seafood.com, a subscription site. It is reprinted with permission.