Atlantic Cod, Gadus Morhua, were once a common medium for the early European settlers of North America. Due to fishing practices of the twenty first century the once thought eternal supply of Atlantic Cod collapsed. Now another impact facing this vulnerable species is also one of human origin, polar climate change and its effect on the oceans.
Polar climate change has most directly effected Atlantic Cod by the influx of warm water to the oceans. The temperature levels in the areas of Atlantic Cod Stocks have been increasing over many years. Temperature plays a crucial role in the life cycle of an Atlantic Cod. It can effect when, and where they reproduce. What they feed on, and how they grow.
This change in the polar climate is contested to be either a positive or a negative for the species. This is due to the changes in temperature ranging from areas of different temperatures. The thermal tolerance for Atlantic Cod ranges between negative one degree Celsius to over twenty degrees Celsius.