Warming waters off the coast of New York are attracting a diverse range of tropical fish, prompting excitement among local anglers and raising questions about the changing marine environment. Species like mahi-mahi, cobia, and even large sharks, more commonly found in southern waters, are increasingly being caught in the tri-state area.
Arthur Cortes, head of Cortes Outfitters in New York City, who has been fishing in the area for over 30 years, stated he has never witnessed such a dramatic shift in the species present. "When I started chartering, I never would’ve thought I would’ve been chasing [these species] inshore," he told the New York Post. His charter trips have encountered schools of mahi-mahi, a vibrant sport fish typically associated with Baja California and the Florida Keys, just miles off the coast and within sight of the Manhattan skyline.
Cortes has reported clients catching mahi-mahi ranging from 15 to 20 pounds, with one angler even landing a 60-pound specimen. He noted that these fish began appearing in catchable numbers shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic. "I’ve caught 20 mahi in one trip," he said, adding that clients are eager to pursue these unique catches for their novelty and appeal.
Mahi-mahi are pelagic species, meaning they typically inhabit the open ocean and are rarely found close to shore, especially this far north. However, they are not the only southern species making their way north. Cobia, a large, dark-banded fish more common in the Gulf of Mexico and the South Atlantic, is also being increasingly caught along the Northeast coast, from Long Island to New Jersey.
Captain Vinnie Calabro of Karen Ann Charters, a veteran of the New York fishing scene for 50 years, began targeting cobia several years ago. "They’re just great fish to catch. They fight," Calabro said. He added that the cobia caught in the North often reach trophy size, with his largest catch weighing 70 pounds. For anglers on a budget, cobia offer a more accessible alternative to bluefin tuna, which require longer and more expensive offshore trips.
The primary driver behind this northward migration is the warming ocean temperatures. John Waldman, an aquatic conservation biologist at Queens College, CUNY, has published research indicating that summer water temperatures in New York have risen by more than 2°F in just over two decades, a rate five times faster than the global ocean warming average. "Summer lasts a lot longer now. The waters don’t really cool off much," Waldman explained. He suggested that these increasingly hospitable conditions could eventually allow these non-native species to establish breeding populations, while local species like striped bass face potential spawning declines.
Beyond mahi-mahi and cobia, other unusual marine visitors have been sighted. Atlantic tarpon, a large sport fish native to the Southeastern United States, have been seen in Long Island waters. Additionally, anglers are reporting an unprecedented number of bull sharks. Justin, a local shark fisherman who asked to remain anonymous, stated, "This year they exploded. In a month, I got five. These are my first bull sharks ever in New York." He described catching bull sharks weighing hundreds of pounds, with one measuring close to nine feet long.
For those looking to catch mahi-mahi, Cortes recommends casting bait and lures around buoys and other structures in clear, blue water. He noted their speed, capable of bursts over 50 mph, which can be exhilarating for anglers. The flesh of mahi-mahi is described as sweet, mild, moist, and flaky, suitable for pan-searing or tacos. Cobia can be caught by spotting them and casting lures or live menhaden. Calabro noted that cobia are attracted to "crippled bunker" and will aggressively strike.
While the influx of new species offers exciting opportunities for anglers, concerns exist. Calabro mentioned that the cobia fishery has recently faced challenges, which he attributes to foreign fishing vessels overharvesting bunker, a crucial baitfish in the Northeast ecosystem. Despite these challenges, fishermen are hopeful to continue experiencing this tropical fishing season for as long as possible.