62 2024 Observation Synthesis
Description: Synthesis of noteworthy observations reported in 2024 across the Northeast U.S region. To report a noteworthy observation please contact: northeast.ecosystem.highlights@noaa.gov
Indicator family:
Contributor(s): Kimberly Hyde, Sarah Weisberg, Anna Mercer, Sarah Gaichas, Joseph Caracappa
Affiliations: NEFSC
62.1 Introduction to Indicator
This synthesis intends to provide a record of noteworthy observations reported in 2024 across the Northeast U.S. region. Observations were solicited from contributors to the State of the Ecosystem reports, colleagues at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, academic and management partners, and the fishing industry. In late 2024 an email account was set up so that anyone can provide observations to the SOE team: northeast.ecosystem.highlights@noaa.gov. Items selected for inclusion in the synthesis include observations that were at or near their respective time series record (high or low) or had a large departure from the recent trends, were reported by multiple contributors, affected fishing efforts, or were considered newsworthy. The observations included in the synthesis are not exhaustive and the full ecosystem and fisheries impacts are still to be determined. They should, however, be noted and considered in future analyses and management decisions.
62.2 Key Results and Visualizations
62.2.0.1 2024 Highlights
2024 global sea surface and air temperatures exceeded 2023 as the warmest year on record, but colder than average temperatures were observed in the Northeast U.S. Oceanographic and ecological conditions in the Northwest Atlantic were markedly different in 2024 compared to recent years. Regional 2024 observations included inputs of colder and fresher northern water, delayed migration of many species, and redistribution of some species.
62.2.0.1.1 Northwest Atlantic Phenomena
Late 2023 and early 2024 observations indicate movement of cooler and fresher water into the Northwest Atlantic [108], although there are seasonal and local exceptions to this pattern. Anomalously cold (Fig. ???) and low salinity conditions were recorded throughout the Northeast Shelf and were widespread across the Slope Sea for much of the year. These cooler and fresher conditions are linked to the southward movement of the eastern portion of the Gulf Stream and possibly an increased influx of Labrador Slope and Scotian Shelf water into the system ([89]).
The negative 2024 Gulf Stream Index value indicates that the position of the Gulf Stream was south of its mean position. This is mainly due to the southward movement of the eastern Gulf Stream between 64° and 55°W (Fig. ???). The western part of the Gulf Stream, however, maintained its relatively northward position (Fig. ???). The number of warm core rings formed in 2023 (17) and 2024 (23) were well below the 2000-2017 average of 33 and closer to 1980 to 1999 average of 18 ([91]). In 2024, most warm core rings were small and short lived, lasting for only 1 to 2 weeks. Most of the rings formed east of the seamounts chain and were reabsorbed by the Gulf Stream before reaching the Northeast Shelf Break.
In 2023, Labrador Slope water accounted for more than 50% of the source water entering the Gulf of Maine through the Northeast Channel (Fig. ???); data are still being processed for 2024. Colder, fresher water detected deep in the Jordan Basin for the first half of 2024 suggests an increased influx of Labrador Slope and Scotian Shelf water ([108]), which resulted in colder and fresher conditions throughout the Northwest Atlantic and contributed to the increased size and colder temperatures of the Mid-Atlantic Cold Pool.
62.2.0.1.2 Northeast Shelf and Local Phenomena
The influx of the northern waters is likely linked to multiple observations across the Northeast Shelf including the uncommon presence of Arctic Calanus zooplankton species in the Gulf of Maine, delayed migration of many species, and redistribution of some species.
62.2.0.1.2.1 Fishing Community Observations
Several members of the fishing community noted delayed migration of species into typical fishing grounds. In particular, they attributed the delayed migration of longfin squid, black sea bass, and haddock to the cooler water temperatures. Longfin squid migration to inshore waters was delayed and abundance south of Nantucket was lower than in previous years. Longfin squid were caught in high abundance offshore of New Jersey in September, which is unusual in both location and timing. Many also reported redistribution of some species. Specifically, pollock, bluefin tuna, Atlantic mackerel, longfin squid, bluefish, and bonito were observed in surprising or unusual locations. Fishing reports indicated that bluefin tuna remained further east this year and that they were feeding on dogfish and skates instead of squid and baitfish. Some species, such as Atlantic mackerel, were reported in higher abundance compared to recent years and outside of typical fishing grounds. Fishers reported large schools of Atlantic mackerel on the northern and southern edges of Georges Bank in March and April, off southern New Jersey in April, near Long Island in July and August, and outside of Gloucester, MA and Watch Hill, RI in November. Anglers also reported good catches of red drum in Chesapeake Bay and record high (since 1995) numbers were observed at Poplar Island survey location. Additionally, there were observations of multiple whale species aggregating near the Hudson Canyon between May and August.
62.2.0.1.2.2 Oceanography Observations
During the summer months there were multiple prolonged upwelling events that brought cold water to the surface off the New Jersey coast. There was also an atypical phytoplankton bloom south of Long Island in late June to early July 2024, possibly linked to an upwelling event (Fig. ???). The bloom was dominated by coccolithophores, which have an exoskeleton made up of calcium carbonate plates that can turn the water an opaque turquoise color ([109]). Large blooms of coccolithophores are unusual in this region, but they are not considered harmful and are grazed by zooplankton.
Summer bottom ocean acidification (OA) risk in the Mid-Atlantic was the highest recorded since sampling began in 2007. High OA risk is measured as low aragonite saturation state( Ω). Similarly, the winter/early spring Gulf of Maine surface OA risk was significantly above the climatological average and near the sensitivity levels for cod (Ω<1.19) and lobster (Ω<1.09) (Fig.???). These observations were likely driven by the greater volume of fresher, less-buffered Labrador Slope water entering the Gulf of Maine and Mid-Atlantic, as well as cooler conditions. The 2023 and 2024 high summer OA risk has increased the extent of potentially unfavorable habitat for Atlantic sea scallops (Ω<1.1) and longfin squid (Ω<0.96). Additionally, for the first time, high OA risk conditions were observed outside of summer (fall for both species and spring for Atlantic sea scallops).
62.2.0.1.3 Chesapeake Bay
In the summer, Chesapeake Bay recorded warm temperatures and low bottom water dissolved oxygen that resulted in less than suitable habitat for species such as striped bass and blue crabs. These poor conditions can affect their distribution, growth, and survival. Additionally, lower than average spring and summer salinity negatively impacted oyster hatchery operations and increased the area of available habitat for invasive blue catfish, potentially increasing predation on blue crabs and other important finfish species.
62.4 Implications
2024 was a markedly different from previous year, both in terms of oceanography and fishing. Observations from multiple sources helped identify events that may not show up in all spatially and temporally aggregated data. The implications of these events are still to be determined, but should be noted for future analyses. It is unknown if the conditions observed in 2024 were a short term event or if they will continue into 2025.
62.5 Get the data
Point of contact: kimberly.hyde@noaa.gov
ecodata name: No dataset
Variable definitions
NA
No Data
Indicator Category:
Indicator Category:
Synthesis of observations