Diminishing ice cover on Maine’s lakes could impact fish populations

MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • April 25, 2021

Lake Auburn may be ice-covered for as many as six weeks less on average today than it was in the mid-1800s. And, Lake Auburn isn’t the only lake with waning ice. Lakes throughout Maine and New England are showing similar trends. Scientists say this long-term trend is an indicator of climate change. Warming temperatures are leading to milder winters with less snow, resulting in shorter periods of ice cover for Maine’s lakes. Diminishing ice cover and warmer water may lead to a decline in water quality and hurt some species of fish. As the climate continues to grow warmer and more variable, the duration of ice cover on Maine’s lakes will continue to decrease.