Currently there are 2 eddies rotating clockwise on the north side of the Gulf Stream off the New England coast. These eddies are pulling warm blue water off the Gulf Stream towards the canyons. As you can see in the AVHRR 5-day (4/6/2012) SST composite sea surface temperature image, the eddies are easily distinguishable from surrounding waters. Currently water temps are in the low 60’s in the middle of these eddies. These temperatures should support bluefin tuna, sharks, and swordfish. In the MODIS-Aqua 7-day (4/5/2012) plankton composite image on the right, you can also see that these eddies contain much more bluer water than the surrounding waters. These waters are around the same clarity as the main body of the Gulf Stream. This blue water is the preferred environment for pelagic species. These eddies have been in the same general area now for around a month. Hopefully they will remain until next month when many pelagic species start migrating back up north for the summer.
Last edited by SeaStar Sport; 04-11-12 at 09:03 AM.