Massachusetts Fisheries

Massachusetts has long boasted one of the nation's biggest commercial fishing industries. However, global warming will increase pressures on the historically important Atlantic cod and other species. Fishing pressure has already depleted Northeast cod stocks in recent decades. On top of this, rising water temperatures could disrupt the life cycle of cod. Georges Bank, historically the Northeast's most important fishing grounds, is projected under either emissions scenario to become too warm to support the growth and survival of young cod by late this century, but would be able to support adult cod populations under the lower-emissions scenario. Fisherman could diversify their fishing fleets to take advantage of warm-water fish moving north. However, uncertainty about which species will thrive in a changing climate will remain a challenge.