Assessing the effects of climate change on fishery catches of the NW Atlantic Ocean

Climate change is already affecting marine ecosystems and shifting species from their historical ranges into previously unsuitable and sometimes poorly protected environments. The Northwest Atlantic is an ideal region to study ocean change because of its more rapid rate of warming. My research aims to assess climate change effects as reflected in fisheries catches of the NW Atlantic Ocean, including both Canadian and US waters, using the mean temperature of the catch (MTC) index. It ultimately aims to inform future fisheries management strategies about regional and transboundary shifts in species and catches, so that management can adequately respond and adapt to the challenges of accelerated environmental and ecosystem change.