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Climate Change May Tank World's Fish Stocks
Scientists predict huge upheaval to marine populations
By Jason Farago
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Posted Feb 13, 09 8:03 AM CST
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(Newser)
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The world's supplies of fish face major upheaval, scientists warn, as climate change forces species from shrimp to herring away from warming waters toward the poles. The BBC reports that in 40 years, American fishermen may see a 50% reduction in the population of Atlantic cod. "The impact of climate change on marine biodiversity and fisheries is going to be huge," said the study's lead author.
Yesterday in Chicago the marine biologists presented their findings, which used computer modeling to predict the future of more than 1,000 commercially harvested species. On average, fish may move poleward by 25 miles a decade, which could have a major effect on preexisting ecosystems. While Nordic countries would benefit from the changes, fisherman in tropical regions would suffer severe losses—which could have socioeconomic repercussions.