Understanding the Impacts of Ecological Drought on Estuaries in the Pacific Northwest

In the Pacific Northwest, coastal ecosystems are highly productive areas that support millions of migratory waterbirds, shellfish, salmon and related fish. These species depend on food and habitats provided by estuaries (coastal tidal areas where streams and rivers flow into the ocean) for successful migration and breeding. Climate change effects such as drought, sea-level rise, and changing freshwater flow, precipitation, and temperatures will alter these important habitats.

This study examined how changing ocean and freshwater patterns and conditions will influence estuary habitats. The main goal was to provide scientific support for future planning efforts and conservation of natural resources found in coastal ecosystems. The project researchers:  (1) held meetings with resource managers to identify key resource management concerns for Pacific Northwest estuaries related to ecological drought and sea-level rise, (2) analyzed long-term existing datasets of river levels and discharge rates, as well as available water quality data, to determine how drought has affected these factors historically and currently, and (3) related data on fish and wildlife communities to drought-sensitive conditions (e.g., salinity, water temperature, nutrients, sediment), to help inform key management questions identified by resource managers within each estuary.