"Global Warming May Mean Fewer Maine Lobsters, Says Study"

"Scientists found that lobster larvae struggled to survive when water temperatures rose 5 degrees F. warmer than current temperatures in the Gulf of Maine, a key lobster fishing area off of New England."

"PORTLAND, Maine — Baby lobsters might not be able to survive in the ocean's waters if the ocean continues to warm at the expected rate.

That is the key finding of a study performed by scientists in Maine, the state most closely associated with lobster. The scientists, who are affiliated with the University of Maine Darling Marine Center and Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, said the discovery could mean bad news for the future of one of America's most beloved seafood treats, as well as the industry lobsters support.

The scientists found that lobster larvae struggled to survive when they were reared in water 5 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the temperatures that are currently typical of the western Gulf of Maine, a key lobster fishing area off of New England. Five degrees is how much the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change expects the Gulf of Maine's temperature to warm by the year 2100."

Patrick Whittle reports for the Associated Press September 24, 2016.