Federal scientists say they have successfully grown Arctic cod in a laboratory, giving them hope that they can learn more about a key Arctic species vulnerable to warming ocean waters.
Arctic cod have the richest fat content of any cod species and are an important food source for ringed seals, the main diet of polar bears. But they are hard to study because they're found in seawater often covered by ice.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration research biologist Benjamin Laurel says Arctic cod are extremely sensitive to temperature.
They grow rapidly in water at 32 degrees, or zero degrees Celsius. But they are outpaced by other species when temperatures increase by a few degrees.
Laurel says the temperature tolerance for Arctic cod eggs is even narrower.
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