Cod and bass go north to stay cool

Climate change is forcing hundreds of fish species and crustaceans to migrate north, disrupting the fishing industry.

Atlantic cod and black sea bass are among those most affected, according to researchers, who explain that sea life sensitive to water temperatures is moving away to keep cool.

The study, published in the journal PLOS One, covers the continental shelves on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of America.

Dr James Morley, of Rutgers University in the US and lead author of the study, said: “We anticipate that many economically important species will expand into new regions and decline in areas of historic abundance.”

Professor Malin Pinsky, also of Rutgers University, and co-author, said: “For commercial fishers, this often means longer trips and higher fuel costs. Some species will move as much as 900 miles north from their current habitats.”