The population of lobsters has begun to decrease due to global warming. Larval lobsters feed off two different types of microscopic organisms . phytoplankton and zooplankton are used to feed these new-born lobsters. Due to warmer water temperature, these organism can not grow and if they do it is at the wrong time. This makes it nearly impossible for the new lobsters to survive. The lobster population south of cape cod has crashed.
Does warmer water temperature threaten the lobsters health?
Yes. Scientist have found that in the years since global warming has been a problem there has been an increased amount of lobsters with shell disease. Also scientist are now finding new kinds of shell diseases that have never been seen before. "Scientists have also seen evidence linking rising seawater temperatures to the spread of lobster shell disease in Massachusetts’ waters. Caused by a bacterial infection in the carapace, lobster shell disease has become dramatically more common in recent years." Scientist also say the disease has been known in lobsters who spend more time in waters over 68 degrees F.
Could global warming be good for lobsters?
The lobsterman in Maine would most likely argue yes. Due to warmer waters down south and increased population of lobster has been found in the gulf of Maine. "This may also be due to ocean warming, as It may be that the newly warmer waters spur a longer growing season, encourage more rapid growth, cause lobsters to hatch earlier and provide better conditions for larval lobsters." With warmer water , over-fishing has eliminated then number of Cod as well which is a predator.
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