Fly Fishing should remind us that the places we love to escape to are at risk. If the fish don't have a suitable environment to live in, we will have a hard time doing what we love to do.
Cape Cod Bay, a large body of water located off the eastern coast of Massachusetts, is facing rising water temperatures in recent years. This trend has implications for the bay's ecosystem, including its marine life and human activities like fishing and tourism. The Striped Bass population that migrates to Cape Cod is being affected by the changes in the ocean as well.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the average water temperature in Cape Cod Bay has increased by about 1.6°F (0.9°C) over the past century, with most of that increase occurring since the 1970s. This warming trend is consistent with broader global patterns of climate change, which are driven by human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
According to NOAA, the average water temperature in Cape Cod Bay has increased by approximately 2.6°F (1.4°C) since 1970. This rate of warming is higher than the global average, which has increased by approximately 0.18°C per decade since 1970.
This significant temperature increase in Cape Cod Bay highlights the need for continued monitoring and action to address the impacts of climate change on this important ecosystem.
One consequence of rising water temperatures is that they can disrupt the bay's food web. Many of the species that live in Cape Cod Bay, including fish and shellfish, are adapted to specific temperature ranges. As the water warms, these species may move to cooler areas or become less abundant, which can affect the predators that rely on them for food. In the late summer on Cape Cod, Cape Cod Bay will get to temperatures that are way too high for Striped Bass. They will often go offshore of away from the flats or shallow water.
In addition, warmer water temperatures can also promote the growth of harmful algal blooms (HABs) that can produce toxins that are harmful to marine life and humans. These blooms can also impact the fishing industry and tourism, as some HABs can lead to beach closures and shellfish harvesting bans. In recent years, Cape Cod Bay will cultivate hypoxic conditions, which means that the oxygen levels are too low to sustain life.
To address the issue of rising water temperatures in Cape Cod Bay, researchers and policymakers are exploring a range of strategies. Some are focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate global climate change, while others are exploring local approaches like planting trees to reduce the urban heat island effect and promoting sustainable fishing practices that can help protect the bay's ecosystem.
Overall, the rising water temperatures in Cape Cod Bay are a significant concern that highlights the urgent need for action on climate change. By working together to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices, we can help protect this important ecosystem for generations to come.
At Solstice, We hope that our guided fly fishing trips will inspire our clients to help us make a change for the better.