Lakes in Maine are freezing later and thawing sooner, a trend that has scientists worried about long-term impacts to water quality and aquatic life.

The Sun Journal reports that research shows Lake Auburn is now ice free for several weeks longer each year than it was decades ago.

Researchers and environmental advocates tell the newspaper that the change could worsen water quality by promoting the growth of algae.

Warmer water could also cause declines in fish populations by depleting food sources.