A major unresolved problem in fisheries oceanography is the mechanism by which water column density stratification affects growth and survival of larval fish populations. These initial US GLOBEC field and modeling studies will evaluate the potential effects of climate change of larval survival due to changes in the stratification process on Georges Bank. Water column density stratification has been shown to have a significant influence on the feeding and survival of larval cod and haddock on George Bank by providing a concentrating mechanism for their prey organisms. Changes in wind, precipitation and temperature suggested by climate change models could significantly alter the stratification process on Georges Bank and affect the feeding and survival of larval fish. This project will involve scientists from NOAA/NMFS, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Bigelow Labs, and the USGS. Cooperative funding is provided by NOAA, NSF and USGS; the NSF contribution in FY1992 via this award.
