High summer temperatures are associated with poorer performance of underyearling Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in upland streams

Fionn R. Bernthal; Ben W. Seaman; Edward Rush; John D. Armstrong; Darryl McLennan; Keith Nislow; Neil B. Metcalfe

doi:10.1111/jfb.15282

Treesearch

High summer temperatures are associated with poorer performance of underyearling Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in upland streams

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Fionn R. Bernthal, Ben W. Seaman, Edward Rush, John D. Armstrong, Darryl McLennan, Keith Nislow, Neil B. Metcalfe

Year:

2023

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Northern Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15282

Source:

Journal of Fish Biology

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Abstract

Future warming scenarios are predicted to result in an increased frequency of high, and potentially stressful, temperatures in aquatic ecosystems. Here we examined whether the performance of wild underyearling Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in Scottish streams stocked with identical egg densities was influenced by thermal stress. Biomass and density declined with degree hours exceeding 23°C, indicating apparent mortality or emigration as a possible result of exposure to high temperatures. These results strengthen the need for further action such as riparian tree planting to reduce stream summer temperatures.

Keywords

climate change, density, Salmo salar, temperature, warming

Citation

Bernthal, Fionn R.; Seaman, Ben W.; Rush, Edward; Armstrong, John D.; McLennan, Darryl; Nislow, Keith H.; Metcalfe, Neil B. 2023. High summer temperatures are associated with poorer performance of underyearling Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in upland streams. Journal of Fish Biology. 102(2): 537-541. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15282.