Journal article
Refuge identification as a climate adaptation strategy to promote fish persistence during drought
Fish and fisheries, Vol.25(6), pp.997-1008
01/11/2024
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Abstract
Climate change is leading to global increases in extreme events, such as drought, that threaten the persistence of freshwater biodiversity. Identification and management of drought refuges, areas that promote resistance and resilience to drought, will be critical for preserving and recovering aquatic biodiversity in the face of climate change and increasing human water use. Although several reviews have addressed the effects of droughts and highlighted the role of refuges, a need remains on how to identify functional refuges that can be used in a drought management framework to support fish assemblages. We synthesize literature on drought refuges and propose a framework to identify and manage functional refuges that incorporate species physiological tolerances, behaviours and life-history strategies. Stream pools, perennial reaches and off-channel habitat were identified as important drought refuges for fish. The ability of refuges to improve species resistance and resilience to drought requires careful consideration of the biology of the target species and targeted management to promote persistence, quality and connectivity of refuges. Case studies illustrate that management of drought refuges can be challenging because of competing demands for water, incomplete knowledge of ecological requirements for target species and the increasing occurrence of multi-year droughts. Climate adaptation is increasingly important, and drought refuges can increase fish resistance and resilience to climate-related drought across the riverscape.
Details
- Title
- Refuge identification as a climate adaptation strategy to promote fish persistence during drought
- Creators
- Annika W. Walters - University of WyomingNiall G. Clancy - University of WyomingThomas P. Archdeacon - United States Fish and Wildlife ServiceSongyan Yu - Griffith UniversityJane S. Rogosch - Texas Tech UniversityElizabeth A. Rieger - University of Wyoming
- Publication Details
- Fish and fisheries, Vol.25(6), pp.997-1008
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Number of pages
- 12
- Grant note
- Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative U.S. Geological Survey and Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI) Dry Rivers Research Coordination Network
- Identifiers
- 991013293751202368
- Copyright
- © 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article