Native fish of the Columbia River Basin, and the ecosystems that support them, are an innate and critical part of Nez Perce culture. The persistence of these fisheries may be at risk due to climate change, especially in combination with other stressors (e.g., habitat fragmentation and disconnectivity). Assessing vulnerability of these fisheries to climate change, considering options for action, and taking action will require strategic collaboration and coordination with multiple partners. Here, we propose to start building those partnerships to address this landscape-level conservation concern.
The overarching philosophy of Nez Perce fisheries management is to ensure that all species and populations of anadromous and resident fish and their habitats are healthy and harvestable within Nez Perce Usual and Accustomed areas (Figure 1). This philosophy also advises being proactive in an ever-changing ecological and management environment. Hence, we have identified a need to plan for climate change. The philosophy of Nez Perce fisheries management is based on a combination of traditional ecological knowledge and modern conservation science. This approach is well-aligned with the conservation targets for the Columbia Basin ecotypic area (as defined in the GNLCC Strategic Conservation Framework), which include target species of Chinook salmon, Steelhead, and Bull trout, and the integrity of the hydrologic network and watersheds that support those species.
FY2015and FY2016 Objectives:1. Participate in meetings, workshops, and training opportunities that enhance the capacity of the Nez Perce Tribe to address the effects of climate change on tribal fisheries.2. Develop a climate adaptation planning committee within the Nez Perce fisheries program.3. Disseminate climate change information to tribal members, tribal government leaders, and other tribal natural resource managers.
