Complete Paper on Variation in Subsurface Temperature
Off the West Coast of North America and its
Relation to Fish Population Dynamics
Current Status of Accomplishment or Milestone: Accomplished.
Background: Recent research has suggested that subsurface ocean conditions are important influences in the dynamics of fish populations off the west coast of North America, including listed salmon stocks and marine mammals. This paper characterizes the changes in subsurface temperatures in this region since 1950, relates these changes to large-scale climate change, and shows their relevance to fluctuations in important fish stocks.
Purpose of Activity/Goal of Project: To characterize climate scale changes in the subsurface temperature in the California Current System, and to use this information to evaluate natural influences and fluctuations on fish stocks and marine mammal populations in the California Current region.
Description of Accomplishment and Significant Results: Paper submitted to Journal of Physical Oceanography. Results have been presented in invited talks at several important scientific meetings, including PACLIM and Ocean Sciences.
Significance of Accomplishment (e.g., to the Center, to Management, and to NMFS Strategic plan Goals): Improves understanding of how oceanic fluctuations affect fluctuations of marine populations. Increase ability to forecast stock dynamics. Helps explain why different fish populations that utilize different parts of the water column are changing at different time periods.
Problems: None.
Key Contact: Roy Mendelssohn (831-648-9029; Roy.Mendelssohn@noaa.gov).