Did you know...

That the blue whale, the largest animal to have ever existed, is 96 feet long and weights 125 tons. This is as much as 4 large dinosaurs (Brontosauri), 23 elephants, 230 cows or 1800 men!

Photo Credit: NOAA

Get to know...Haddock

Haddock is a close relative of cod and the two fish look very similar. This whitefish is distinguished from cod by a dark lateral line running on its side and a distinctive dark patch or “thumbprint” mark above the pectoral fin. Haddock also has a whisker on its chin similar to cod but is much smaller. It is almost impossible to tell the two fish apart. Haddock is fished on both sides of the North Atlantic and unlike cod and polluck, there is no equivalent Pacific species. Although haddock reaches 20 pounds or more, few fish over 5 pounds and 24 inches are caught.

Photo Credit: www.nefsc.noaa.gov

Corals Are Teaching Us About Climate Change

Corals are essential for survival of thousands of ocean species and one of the most beautiful ecosystems in our oceans. We are learning how the climate is affecting corals by looking at the skeletons that are formed from calcium carbonate. As the temperature changes, the skeletons form a different density than those formed in the colder seasons. Corals have rings, similar to that of trees, which can determine the season coral skeletons are formed. This can help us predict "trends" in our oceans during the ever-changing climate.

To read the whole story click here

Photo credit: NOAA

Should we expect to pay a lower price for lobster?

According to the experts, yes, we should because of the constant changing of our climate. The warmer oceans and fewer predators (less regulation on halibut, hake, etc.) are creating much larger lobster populations. 

Photo Credit: NOAA

Peruvian Hake Catch Amount Increased

The Peruvian Ministry of Production has authorized an increase in the the maximum allowable catch for hake, according to FIS.com.  An additional 4140 tonnes of catch will be allowed for the first half of 2013. 

In late April, the Peruvian Ministry of Production authorized an exploratory fishing day for hake in order to protect the fish during the peak spawning period.

Hake can be caught until June 30, 2013.

Photo Credit: NOAA