Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland

A ground-breaking scientific review article led by Dr. Maxime Geoffroy sheds light on the significant effects of climate change and increased human activity on Arctic cod and the entire Arctic ecosystem.

Arctic cod, also known as polar cod, play a pivotal role in Arctic marine ecosystems. The most abundant fish in the Arctic Ocean, they are a key food source for marine mammals, seabirds and other fish species harvested by Inuit as well as commercial fisheries.

Disrupting delicate balance

The consequences of warming temperatures and changing ocean conditions for this ecologically important species include habitat loss disrupting Arctic cod reproduction, changing food availability for Arctic cod larvae and juveniles, and increased predation as southern species migrate to warming Arctic waters.

“Our findings emphasize the urgent need for action to mitigate climate change impacts on Arctic cod populations. These changes are not only affecting the most abundant fish of the Arctic, but also disrupting the delicate balance of the entire Arctic ecosystem,” said Dr. Geoffroy, research scientist with the Marine Institute’s Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research, and lead author of the study.

Learn more in the Gazette.