Changing spatial distribution of fish stocks in relation to climate and population size on the Northeast United States continental shelf

We tested the hypothesis that recent oceanographic changes associated with climate change in the Northeast United States continental shelf ecosystem have caused a change in spatial distribution of marine fish. To do this, we analyzed temporal trends from 1968 to 2007 in the mean center of biomass, mean depth, mean temperature of occurrence, and area occupied in each of 36 fish stocks. Temporal trends in distribution were compared to time series of both local-and large-scale environmental variables, as well as estimates of survey abundance. Many stocks spanning several taxonomic groups, life-history strategies, and rates of fishing exhibited a poleward shift in their center of biomass, most with a simultaneous…

• NO
  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• FI
  Fogarty International Center
• NM
  National Marine Fisheries Service
• NF
  Northeast Fisheries Science Center