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

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 de...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Fish Biology
Main Authors: Bernthal, Fionn R., Seaman, Ben W., Rush, Edward, Armstrong, John D., McLennan, Darryl, Nislow, Keith H., Metcalfe, Neil B.
Other Authors: H2020 European Research Council, Natural Environment Research Council
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2022
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Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15282
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jfb.15282
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full-xml/10.1111/jfb.15282
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Summary: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.