New Report Addresses Climate Change and Freshwater Fish

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Fisheries professionals have long been working to address stressors to the health of freshwater fish and their habitats. The challenges are many, such as habitat loss, pollution, invasive species, and disease. Despite many successes, there is a long way to go. There are 147 freshwater fish species and populations that are federally threatened or endangered (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2013). An estimated 37% of freshwater animals—from fish to crayfish to mussels—are considered at risk, a rate much higher than their terrestrial counterparts (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2013). Furthermore, an estimated 55% of the nation's river and stream miles do not support healthy populations of aquatic life largely due to nutrient pollution, sedimentation, and habitat degradation (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2013).

Fisheries resources are now challenged by climate change, a very serious threat with projections of widespread effects on fish and their habitats. Many fisheries professionals, including researchers and managers already seeing the effects of climate change, are addressing the issue. The challenges of climate change for freshwater fish and their habitats include more extreme weather events—especially longer and more intense droughts, heat waves, wildfires, and floods. Other factors include shorter winters with less snow and ice cover and interactions with existing stressors.