September 19, 2012 (HYANNIS) _ Ocean temperatures off the northeast United States have reached a record high.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says the average sea surface temperature was a little over 50.5 degrees for the first half of 2012.

The previous record high for the first six months of a year was set in 1951.

Scientists say the warming temperatures impact virtually all ocean life.

Atlantic cod have been shifting northeast in recent years because of warming waters. It's unclear if the temperature rise is permanent or a short-term anomaly.
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