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

Bernthal, F. R., Seaman, B. W., Rush, E., Armstrong, J. D., McLennan, D., Nislow, K. H. and Metcalfe, N. 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), pp. 537-541. (doi: 10.1111/jfb.15282) (PMID:36448734)

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.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Funding information: H2020 European Research Council Advanced Grant, Grant/Award Number: 834653; Natural Environment Research Council IAPETUS2 PhD Studentship, Grant/Award Number: 2292491.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Metcalfe, Professor Neil and McLennan, Dr Darryl and Bernthal, Fionn
• Authors: Bernthal, F. R., Seaman, B. W., Rush, E., Armstrong, J. D., McLennan, D., Nislow, K. H., and Metcalfe, N. B.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Journal of Fish Biology
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 0022-1112
• ISSN (Online): 1095-8649
• Published Online: 30 November 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Journal of Fish Biology 102(2): 537-541
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
305090		MITOWILD	Neil Metcalfe	European Commission (EC)	834653	Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine