Understanding the Impacts of Climate Change on Cod Productivity using Bioenergetic Modelling

Description

Changes in ocean temperatures and their seasonality due to climate change will alter the productivity of fisheries resources. Temperature changes may be accompanied by changes in dissolved oxygen, which can impact the physiology and productivity of fish and crustaceans. This project will develop bioenergetics computer models for Atlantic Cod, initially focussing on the two stocks in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Bioenergetics concerns energy flow through living systems and is related to growth, development, metabolism and other biological processes.

The models will be used as an adaptation tool to predict the medium- and long-term effects of various climate change scenarios on the productivity of Atlantic Cod. Eventually, the tool could be applied to cod in other management areas or modified for use with other species.

Program Name

Aquatic Climate Change Adaptation Services Program (ACCASP)

Ecoregion(s)

Atlantic: Gulf of St. Lawrence, St. Lawrence Estuary

Principal Investigator(s)

Doug Swain
Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Yvan Lambert
Fisheries and Oceans Canada