VU

Gadus morhua

UnknownLCEULCEU

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Atlantic cod populations have experienced severe declines due to intensive commercial fishing that has exceeded sustainable levels for decades. Climate change is altering ocean temperatures and currents, affecting cod distribution and spawning success, while also impacting their primary prey species. Habitat degradation from bottom trawling has damaged critical spawning and nursery grounds on continental shelves.

Threat summary

Habitat

Atlantic cod inhabit cold marine waters of the North Atlantic, typically found on continental shelves and slopes at depths ranging from shallow coastal areas to 600 meters. They prefer temperatures between 0-20°C and are commonly associated with rocky bottoms, though they also utilize sandy and muddy substrates for feeding and spawning.

Other threatened species in GADIDAE

VU

Melanogrammus aeglefinus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Gadus morhua classified as Vulnerable?
Gadus morhua is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Atlantic cod populations have experienced severe declines due to intensive commercial fishing that has exceeded sustainable levels for decades. Climate change is altering ocean temperatures and currents, affecting cod distribution and spawning success, while also impacting their primary prey species. Habitat degradation from bottom trawling has damaged critical spawning and nursery grounds on continental shelves.
Where does Gadus morhua live?
Gadus morhua occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Gadus morhua?
The main threats to Gadus morhua are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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