In addition to observed temperature increase and changes in weather patterns, climate change can be seen in the way plants and animals react to new developments in their environment. Many forecasts have been made over the last few decades, predicting that species will expand their ranges north, or uphill, or to deeper water as higher temperatures allow them to explore new areas, or force them to abandon old territories. Much of what is available currently deals with what is likely to happen; here, we deal with what is happening. On this page you will find species-specific information about the reactions of New England wildlife to the changes in our climate.
Changes reported in peer reviewed studies
Changes observed, but not reported in peer reviewed studies
Featured summaries of affected species
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Northern Shrimp (Pandalus borealis)
Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) are a small but important part of Maine's fishing economy. They have a known love for cold water, and unusually warm temperatures over the last decade have contributed to a collapse of the Maine population of northern shrimp. In addition to raising the price of shrimp, this will make it harder for Maine fishermen,…