Research Document - 2005/027

Temperature Conditions in Lobster Fishing Area 34 on the Scotian Shelf and Eastern Gulf of Maine: 1999-2004

By Facey, A., B. Petrie

Abstract

A review of physical oceanographic conditions for Lobster Fishing Area 34 in the Southwest Nova Scotia-Gulf of Maine region from 1999 to 2004 is presented. The analysis is based almost entirely on near-shore temperature time series collected by local fishermen through the Fishermen and Scientists Research Society, supplemented by data collected by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, satellite-derived sea surface temperatures and the Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System. From the records we computed the average temperature, the temperature trend and variability for a period roughly corresponding to the lobster fishing season. Average temperatures during the fishing season were generally high in 1999 and became progressively cooler each year during the Dec 1-Jan 15 period, the first part of the fishing season. Temperatures for Jan 15-Feb 28 were highest in 2002. The coldest years for this time were 2003 and 2004 with the temperatures going below zero in 2004. Temperatures were warmest in 1999 for Mar 1-May 31 and became cooler each year after. Data from other sources allow examination of the interannual variability of temperature from 1950 to 2004 during and outside the fishing season. The analysis indicates that the early 1950s had temperatures significantly above normal and that 2003 and 2004 were cold during and outside the fishing season compared to most years. The combination of satellite and ship-based observations, and the highly resolved (in space and time) FSRS data enable us to study the effects of long-term variations of temperature on lobster yields, moulting patterns and shell development.

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