Audubonmagazine.org: How Might Climate Change Affect American Lobsters?
American lobster (Homarus americanus)
Photo credit: NOAA
Maine’s mascot could well be the American lobster; the state hauls in more than half of the annual U.S. catch. But the crustaceans' geographic range actually extends from the shallows of Newfoundland, down the Northeast coast to New Jersey and Long Island, and into deeper water off Virginia and North Carolina.
Water temperature is crucial throughout the lobster’s life, making the species acutely susceptible to warming oceans. When water tops 69 degrees Fahrenheit, the amount of dissolved oxygen required for them to breathe declines and the amount they require increases, causing physiological stress and even death. It’s likely that by mid century, temperatures in warmer parts of the species’ range, including Long Island Sound, will consistently surpass the lobster-friendly limit, resulting in the loss of suitable habitat in those regions.
Water temperature is crucial throughout the lobster’s life, making the species acutely susceptible to warming oceans. When water tops 69 degrees Fahrenheit, the amount of dissolved oxygen required for them to breathe declines and the amount they require increases, causing physiological stress and even death. It’s likely that by mid century, temperatures in warmer parts of the species’ range, including Long Island Sound, will consistently surpass the lobster-friendly limit, resulting in the loss of suitable habitat in those regions.
Posted by WILDNEWJERSEY at 8/22/2010 6:00 AM 
Categories: Sea Life
Tags: climate change new jersey lobster american lobster maine northeast
Categories: Sea Life
Tags: climate change new jersey lobster american lobster maine northeast
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