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Climate Change Shrinks Fish in Europe

Smaller creatures reproduce less, provide less food for predators

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 21, 2009 1:32 PM CDT

(Newser) – Europe’s fish are physically shrinking as water temperatures climb, according to a German study that examined everything from fish to plankton to bacteria, der Spiegel reports. Researchers don’t believe over-fishing or other factors can explain away the findings, either. “Our study provides strong evidence that temperature actually plays a major role,” they concluded.

“It’s huge,” one of the researchers says. “Size is a fundamental characteristic that is linked to a number of biological functions, such as fecundity—the capacity to reproduce.” Smaller fish also provide less meat for predators, to say nothing of seafood-loving humans. Researchers say it’s highly significant that the shrinkage hit different kinds of organisms—one recent Scottish study even suggested a similar correlation for sheep.

A fish shop displays little produce in Madrid in this June 11, 2008, file photo. (Getty Images)

Europe's fish are getting smaller. (AP Photo/New Mexico Game and Fish Department)

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That breaks down to about $1,238 per pricey pound

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Smaller creatures reproduce less, provide less food for predators

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

climate change • global warming • fish

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

'No Global Warming'? Critics Slam 2 Articles

Science scribes lambaste articles in the Wall Street Journal , Daily Mail

Study: 14 Practical Steps Can Slow Climate Change

Try ditching wood cook stoves in developing world

CO2 Emissions 'Will Defer Ice Age'

Carbon dioxide levels creating long 'interglacial' period

Gender-Bending Fish Swap Sexes in Harems

Wild hawkfish change gender to suit the moment

Tuna Sells for Record $736K

That breaks down to about $1,238 per pricey pound

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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More News

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