Warming Sign Abundant In FL & Elsewhere - MA, Canadian Fishermen Pulling In Mahi-Mahi

[hatrack]

Maybe the fish are on to something. Don Hammond, who catches, tags and releases dolphin-fish (also known as mahi-mahi), says those Florida natives are being hooked in some unusual places. Like Massachusetts and Canada. People who study South Florida's environment say global warming is starting to have a significant impact on Florida's fish, fowl and flora.

Among those beginning to see the signs is Hammond, a private researcher in Charleston, S.C., who retired after 35 years with that state's Department of Natural Resources. He now runs a company called Cooperative Sciences Services. His fish, tagged in waters between South Florida and North Carolina, appear to be migrating farther north. Last year, one in five were hooked anew between North Carolina and Massachusetts, and one swam its way to the waters off of Nova Scotia. ''I have to wonder that as northern waters are warming and tropical waters are getting hotter, will the populations shift north?'' he said.

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• Sooty terns and brown noddies (dark-colored terns) are nesting earlier in the Dry Tortugas.

• Buttonwoods and pines are dying as saltwater rises and does not drain away after hurricane storm surges.

• Salt-loving mangroves and saltwater habitats are advancing inland.

• Scientists had to lure beach-nesting roseate terns to a new beach three years ago after Pelican Shoals in the Keys was washed over and left under water by Hurricane Wilma.

• Half the corals in the Keys have been killed by disease, hurricanes and bleaching in hot water; those remaining are vulnerable to ocean acidification.

• Nine species of dragonflies have moved into Florida from Cuba and the Bahamas, following similar migrations by butterflies, birds and mammals.

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http://www.miamiherald.com/news/issues_ideas/v-fullstory/story/971605.html

[orwell]

1. Dont' worry...

...it's okay...

Freeman Dyson told me so and he's real smart.

[One_Life_To_Give]

2. Mahi-Mahi off MA would be Gulf Stream

There have long been tales of fishermen catching exotic species off the New England coast. They can be found having come north on the Gulf Stream. Buzzards Bay Data Buoy recorded a peak 2008 water temp of 24C (75F) Which is still below their preferred range.

fish4fun.com/dolphin.htm

Dolphin like warm water, generally greater than 68oF, 78o – 85oF is preferred.