Appendix D: Synthesis element 1 (revised): Water temperature effects on fisheries and stream health in nontidal waters

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Abstract

A limited review of relevant scientific literature related to temperature sensitivities of fish species, stream health indicators, and any related geospatial information was conducted.  Based on this review, we provide a syntheses of information related to nontidal waters in the Chesapeake Bay Rising stream temperatures will have a range of impacts on nontidal aquatic ecosystems. Cold headwaters and associated species like brook trout and sculpin are especially vulnerable to higher stream temperatures. Efforts could be taken to identify and protect high quality resilient cold headwater brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) habitat. More information on groundwater impacts on stream temperatures and ecologically relevant temperature thresholds for species of concern could help resource managers identify temperature resilient habitats and populations. A vulnerability assessment could be valuable to better understand the drivers and stressors of rising stream temperatures, their effects on aquatic resources, and the risk to fish and other aquatic species.  Further research could help in developing and fully vetting a complete list of cold/cool water benthic macroinvertebrate taxa and freshwater mussel taxa that are vulnerable to temperature change in the Chesapeake watershed. 

Suggested Citation

Faulkner, S., Borsuk, F., Pond, G., Krause, K., Fanelli, R.M., Cashman, M.J., Hitt, N.P., and Letcher, B., 2023, Appendix D: Synthesis element 1 (revised): Water temperature effects on fisheries and stream health in nontidal waters.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype Organization Series
Title Appendix D: Synthesis element 1 (revised): Water temperature effects on fisheries and stream health in nontidal waters
Series number 23-001
Year Published 2023
Language English
Publisher Chesapeake Bay Program STAC
Contributing office(s) Eastern Ecological Science Center
Larger Work Type Report
Larger Work Subtype Organization Series
Larger Work Title Rising watershed and bay water temperatures— Ecological implications and management responses
First page D-1
Last page D-25
Country 25 p.
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