1. Direct and Indirect Effects of Climate Change on Washington Salmon: Ecological Adaptations and Management Strategies Pete Bisson USDA Forest Service PNW Research Station Washington Climate Change Impacts Assessment Conference

2. Aquatic organisms are the most imperiled animals in North America

3. Source: Precious Heritage (2000) © TNC, NatureServe Proportion of species at risk by plant and animal group

4.  Water temperature  Altered hydrologic regime  Indirect effects

5. Lethal temperatures Predicted annual increase 20300.7-1.4 o F 20601.3-3.2 o F 20902.2-4.9 o F

6. Migration timing Copyright 2008 by The Nature Conservancy and World Wildlife Fund, Inc. All Rights Reserved: http://www.feow.org

7. Incubation period

8. Altered hydrologic regime

9. Shrinking drainage network

10. Projected losses of salmon and trout habitat from U.S. streams O’Neal (2002) http://www.defenders.org/resources/publications/programs_and_policy/science_and_economics/global_warming /effects_of_global_warming_on_trout_and_salmon.pdf

11. Weather extremes Reproductive losses Direct mortality Unfavorable habitat effects

12. Indirect/incidental consequences Increased fire frequency and severity

13. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Invasive species

14. Competing water demands

15. Winning strategiesLosing strategies Habitat generalistHabitat specialist Abbreviated time in fresh waterExtended freshwater rearing High stray rateLow stray rate Brief temp. exposureExtended temp. exposure Spring spawningFall spawning Lower risk Higher risk Cutthroat troutChum salmon Pink salmon Fall Chinook Winter steelhead Sockeye salmon Coho salmon Spring Chinook Summer steelhead

16. What can we do?  Minimize increases in water temperature by maintaining well shaded riparian areas  Maintain forests that retain snow water and promote fog drip, and lessen the “rain on snow” effect associated with large forest openings  Disconnect road drainage from the stream network to soften discharge peaks during intense storms  Ensure that fish have access to seasonal habitats, e.g., off-channel or cool water areas  Protect springs and groundwater seeps from excessive water appropriation

17. Thanks to: PNW Research Station Rocky Mountain Research Station NW Power and Conservation Council University of Washington