2012 Proposal: Predicting Effects of Climate change on Aquatic Ecosystems in the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem
2012 Proposal
Dates
Date Received
2012
Summary
Global climate change is likely to dramatically impact the structure and function of freshwater systems, yet no studies have comprehensively assessed the potential effects of climate change on aquatic ecosystems in the Great Northern Landscape. The continued research described herein aims to build on an existing climate change and transboundary research program to assess the potential hydrologic, geomorphic, and thermal effects on foodwebs (rare and endemic macroinvertebrates), native salmonids (threatened bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout), and lotic habitats in the transboundary (US and Canada) Flathead River system. The project will apply new and existing techniques for combining downscaled and regionalized climate models [...]
Summary
Global climate change is likely to dramatically impact the structure and function of freshwater systems, yet no studies have comprehensively assessed the potential effects of climate change on aquatic ecosystems in the Great Northern Landscape. The continued research described herein aims to build on an existing climate change and transboundary research program to assess the potential hydrologic, geomorphic, and thermal effects on foodwebs (rare and endemic macroinvertebrates), native salmonids (threatened bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout), and lotic habitats in the transboundary (US and Canada) Flathead River system. The project will apply new and existing techniques for combining downscaled and regionalized climate models linked with specific spatial data, fine-scale aquatic species vulnerability assessments (invertebrates→fish), population genetic data, and remotely sensed riparian and aquatic habitat analysis. This information will be used to begin development of an aquatics adaptation plan. Results may be used to identify populations and habitats most susceptible to the impacts of climate change; develop monitoring and evaluation programs; inform future research needs; and develop conservation delivery options (e.g., adaptation strategies) in response to or in anticipation of climate change and other important cumulative stressors (e.g., habitat loss and invasive species).
