Atlantic Mackerel’s Shifting Migration Brings Opportunity, Uncertainty

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Atlantic mackerel’s once-reliable spring run north and fall return south has become less predictable since 2024, after a pulse of cold, fresh northern water moved onto the Northeast U.S. shelf.

Fishermen across the region report more mackerel in some areas, along with unusual appearances of white marlin, billfish, sand lance, Illex squid, striped bass, red drum and bluefish.

Researchers say the ocean conditions are highly unusual. Cold, fresh water entered the region in 2023 and kept conditions cooler through 2024 and 2025, a pattern...

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