NOAA report finds Gulf of Maine warming slowed for now, but ecosystem remains unstable

A new NOAA report says warming in the Gulf of Maine has slowed “for now,” but the ecosystem remains unstable, with continued uncertainty for fisheries and marine life. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s “State of the Ecosystem” report for New England waters was presented to the New England Fishery Management Council in April and published online last week. NOAA scientists found some Maine fishing ports, including Stonington, Harpswell, and Friendship, are seeing more activity than roughly 20 years ago, likely influenced by high lobster prices, while 2025 and 2024 had slightly cooler water temperatures after more than a decade of rapid record warming. The report predicts temperatures will warm again in fall and rise long-term due to greenhouse-gas emissions. Edited by Joseph Caracappa, it warns that fishery and ecosystem stability is not secure and calls for diversification, including aquaculture and improved monitoring. NOAA’s forecast-focused section aims to support managers navigating the next year.