Tropical Fish Migration

Posted by Douglas DuHamel Apr 8, 2008

With global warming and such, everyone seems to be changing their vacation spots. It seems that fish are no different than humans looking for the warmer climates.

This year’s vacation paradise for fish is Rhode Island located off the eastern seaboard of the Atlantic Ocean. What is strange is these waters are usually cold, but due to global warming they’re getting all kinds of foreign fish as visitors. In addition, there have been some unusual winds and currents that have brought warm tropical water northward.

From juvenile orange file fish to snowy groupers and lookdowns, other tropical fish such as bicolor damselfish, grey triggerfish, banded rudderfish, spotfin butterflyfish, and bandtail puffer fish have been caught. A lobster fisherman even pulled up a large trigger fish.

Divers have sighted mackerel scud which is only found in the waters along the southern coastal states. The only bad thing about all the foreigners is that we have no idea of the damage they could have on local fish and coral stocks.

If it continues to be the vacation spot, it will be years before we become aware of any damages caused. Some of the native fish in the area are moving northward to cooler waters.

This is just like locals in resort areas who get out of town during the tourist season. So if the “in spot” this year for groupers is Rhode Island where will it be next year?