Please select your home edition
Edition
Palm Beach Motor Yachts

Recreational fishery data reveals climate-driven shifts for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species catch

by NOAA Fisheries 22 Apr 2023 19:06 UTC
A new study identifies shifting distributions of Atlantic Highly Migratory Species catch, including tunas, billfish, and sharks, off the northeastern United States, providing understanding about climate change impacts to the recreational fishery © NOAA Fisheries

A new study by NOAA Fisheries has identified shifting distributions of Atlantic Highly Migratory Species catch, including tunas, billfish, and sharks, off the northeastern United States.

The findings are part of efforts to better understand the effects of climate change on marine species and the fishing communities that rely on them.

"Shifts in the timing and location of Highly Migratory Species catch have important implications for recreational anglers, including seasonal fishing tournaments, and coastal communities that rely on these fisheries," said lead author Dr. Dan Crear, Marine Spatial Ecologist, NOAA Fisheries HMS Management Division. "Fishermen may have to travel farther and/or fish earlier in the year to find certain target species. The species found at a favorite fishing spot may be changing over time, with species typically found further south becoming more common in northern waters earlier."

"It was striking to see the extent of shifts in the catch for some of these species over the last 20 years," said author Dr. Tobey Curtis, Fishery Management Specialist, NOAA Fisheries HMS Management Division. "Fishermen are observing these changes in fish distributions, and adapting to these shifts."

The study used recreational fishery data collected as part of NOAA's Large Pelagics Survey to explore the locations and timing of HMS recreational catches from 2002 through 2019. Recent studies are finding that HMS and other species in the region are generally shifting northward along the coast and arriving earlier in the year as ocean temperatures warm. These behavioral shifts are now reflected in HMS recreational catches, according to this current study. For example, catches of large and small bluefin tuna were found to be shifting northward at a rate of 4-10 kilometers (2.5-6.2 miles) per year.

The spatial shifts appeared to be related to the increasing water temperatures across the study region, which spanned from Maine through Virginia. Recreational catches of blue sharks and thresher sharks are shifting northward at rates of 30-40 km (19-25 miles) for each 1 degreesC increase in water temperature.

The survey collects data from June through October each year when most offshore recreational fishing occurs. The study found that catches for most HMS have been occurring earlier in the season over time. For example, early bluefin tuna catches off Massachusetts in 2019 were estimated to have occurred 80 days earlier than in 2002. Similarly, early blue shark catches were estimated 66 days earlier off Connecticut, and early blue marlin catches were estimated 27 days earlier off New York.

"Understanding these shifts allows managers to be more responsive and flexible, and also helps communities prepare for changes, whether it be a switch to fishing for a new species or shifts in the fishing season," added Dr. Crear.

"NOAA Fisheries is committed to helping fishing communities plan and respond to how climate affects the species we manage," said Randy Blankinship, chief of the Atlantic HMS Management Division. "This study demonstrates the utility of publicly accessible fisheries survey data and how communicating with fishermen can help us sustain these valuable HMS fisheries in the face of a changing ocean."

Results from this study may be used to improve the Large Pelagics Survey and will be considered in ongoing agency climate initiatives such as the Climate, Ecosystem, and Fisheries Initiative and the implementation of the NOAA Fisheries Climate Science Strategy.

This study can be viewed through the NOAA Central Library and the Wiley Online Library.

Related Articles

Scientists estimate krill abundance in Alaska
A commonly used machine-learning algorithm was key Throughout the world, scientists engage in regular vessel surveys to produce estimates of species distribution and abundance. These estimates let scientists track species- and ecosystem-level trends over time to support ecosystem-based fishery management. Posted on 22 Feb
Oregon Coast coho sustain sportfishing seasons
Rebound of wild populations boosts productivity enough for harvest Low salmon returns have closed salmon fishing in California and limited it elsewhere on the West Coast. But Oregon anglers have enjoyed robust sportfishing on a strong wild salmon species. Posted on 23 Dec 2024
Some fish and crab may shift further north
New regional models are being developed for the Bering Sea to better anticipate climate change The eastern Bering Sea is a highly productive marine ecosystem, supporting more than 40 percent of the annual commercial fisheries landings by volume in the United States. Posted on 21 Dec 2024
How the 2024 hurricane season impacted fishing
Learn how business owners, marine ecosystems, and recreational fishing seasons were affected The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which officially ended on November 30, showcased above-average activity. It had a profound impact on recreational fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, causing recreational fishers to face challenges and interim closures. Posted on 20 Dec 2024
Climate, Ecosystems, and Fisheries
Climate change is impacting the nation's valuable marine and Great Lakes ecosystems The NOAA Climate, Ecosystems, and Fisheries Initiative (CEFI) is an effort to provide decision-makers with the information they need to prepare for and adapt to changing oceans and climate. Posted on 7 Dec 2024
Fifteen years of searching for smalltooth sawfish
NOAA Fisheries scientists have been studying smalltooth sawfish in South Florida since 2009 NOAA Fisheries scientists have traveled to South Florida multiple times a year for 15 years to study smalltooth sawfish. Posted on 17 Nov 2024
Harbor Seals consume up to a third of Steelhead
Unchecked predation may undermine recovery actions, study finds Harbor seals consume as many as a third of young steelhead smolts migrating out of the Nisqually River's delta in southern Puget Sound, new research shows. Posted on 21 Sep 2024
The Elwha River restoration
Elwha River restoration project offers valuable insights into the complex ecological processes Elwha River restoration project offers valuable insights into the complex ecological processes involved in dam removal and river recovery. Posted on 16 Sep 2024
Reestablishing connections for fish and tribes
North Santiam River is a high priority for the recovery of Upper Willamette River spring Chinook With $710,000 in funding from NOAA, the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde will remove barriers to the passage of threatened salmon and trout species on their land. Posted on 16 Aug 2024
Progress update on two fishing data initiatives
Fishing Effort Survey study and the collaborative initiative to re-envision the partnership We may be in the dog days of summer, but I am pleased to share that progress continues on two high-visibility recreational fishing data collection initiatives — Fishing Effort Survey study and the collaborative initiative to re-envision the partnership. Posted on 15 Aug 2024
Maritimo 2023 S600 FOOTERPalm Beach Motor Yachts