Water temperatures in the Gulf of St. Lawrence have reached record highs, experts warn
New data shows that water temperatures in the Gulf of St. Lawrence have reached record highs, with experts warning the increase could impact some species that live in the waters.
According to new research, published Tuesday by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, warming ocean temperatures -- specifically those in deep water -- set more records in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in 2021 than in the past 40 years.
The findings include that water temperatures at depths of 200, 250 and 300 metres hit highs of 5.7 C, 6.6 C and 6.8 C, respectively, over the past year.
Department of Fisheries and Oceans scientist Peter Galbraith analyzed the temperature changes in the different layers of the water. He told CTV National News that the temperatures in the "cold intermediate layer" of the water are the warmest scientists have seen since they began collecting such data.
Galbraith says the change in temperatures has happened quite suddenly, posing a risk to species in the gulf that may not be able to quickly adapt.
Galbraith explained that the warming waters affect the habitat for snow crabs and shrimp, among other unique sea creatures and animals that rely on the gulf's ecosystem.
"If you were to have asked me 15 years ago 'Could the Gulf of St. Lawrence get this warm?' I would have said, 'No, impossible,'" Galbraith said.
Now, he's warning that water temperatures in the gulf are reaching a breaking point.
"We are close to that 'as warm as it can get' limit," Galbraith said.
The findings from Fisheries and Oceans Canada are part of a global trend amid climate change.
The world's oceans were the hottest on record in 2021 for the sixth straight year, which scientists say is largely due to fossil fuel emissions.
Richard Betts, head of Climate Impact Research at Exeter University in the U.K. says the sudden rise in temperatures is startling.
"The last seven years in particular are very substantially warmer than anything previously seen," Betts said.
However, scientists say they are still studying the potential changes and impacts that may follow rising water temperatures.
RISKIN REPORTS
CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Eating disorder hospitalizations among boys increased 416 per cent over 17 years: Canadian study
Over the last 17 years, the number of eating disorders among boys has seen a shocking increase, ballooning to 400 per cent higher than the number seen in the early 2000s.
Speaker Fergus apologizes, faces calls to resign over 'personal' video played at Ontario Liberal event
House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus apologized to MPs on Monday about a 'personal' video tribute message played this weekend at the Ontario Liberal Party leadership convention, but two opposition parties say that's not enough and are now calling for him to resign over his 'unacceptable' participation in a partisan event.
Prince Harry challenges decision to strip him of security in Britain after he moved to U.S.
A lawyer for Prince Harry on Tuesday challenged the British government's decision to strip him of his security detail after he gave up his status as a working member of the royal family and moved to the United States.
4 in custody after 'brutal' death of Quebec entrepreneur, partner in Dominica
Four people are in police custody after Quebec businessman Daniel Langlois and his partner Dominique Marchand were found dead in Dominica.
opinion As Trump burns through cash, powerful Republicans are rallying behind a surging candidate
With less than 50 days until Republican voters begin the process of determining their nominee to take on President Joe Biden, political analyst Eric Ham writes about a storm brewing within the GOP -- as super-donors align behind a surging candidate who could pose a threat to frontrunner Donald Trump.
These are the 5 headlines you should read this morning
The CBC announces job cuts, House Speaker Greg Fergus faces calls to resign, and a prominent Quebec businessman and his partner were found dead in the Caribbean.
George Santos is offering personalized videos for US$200
George Santos already has a new gig. The former congressman, fresh off his historic expulsion last week, has created a Cameo account where the public can pay for a personalized video message.
70-year-old Ugandan woman gives birth to twins after fertility treatment
A 70-year-old woman in Uganda has given birth to twins after receiving fertility treatment, making her one of the world's oldest new mothers.
CBC cuts could change what programming you see on TV: Tait
The CBC's president says a round of layoffs and programming cuts the broadcaster announced this week could mean changes in what viewers see on television.