Protecting fish from high river temperatures under climate change
Research by geographers from the University of Birmingham and Marine Scotland Science provided evidence to identify the processes and circumstance under which riparian (riverside) tree cover can reduce water temperature extremes.
Issue
Scottish rivers account for 75% of UK and 30% of European wild salmon production. These fisheries support over 12,000 jobs in rural locations. Climate change is increasing the temperature of rivers, posing risks for native fish that are unable to adapt or compete with invasive species.
Approach
The researchers co-designed and implemented the Scotland River Temperature Monitoring Network (SRTMN). The network consisted of an initial 223 dataloggers across 13 catchments delivered in collaboration with nine local fisheries organisations.
By combining data from SRTMN with new statistical approaches for river temperature modelling, it was possible to assess variability in river temperature at an unprecedented scale.
Impact
Research evidence has underpinned guidance on the use of riparian tree planting to protect the river thermal habitat of salmon. SRTMN featured both in The Environment Strategy for Scotland and the Scottish Budget 2020–2021.
Uptake of SRTMN tools has been extensive, with various organisations adopting them, including The Tweed Foundation, River Dee Trust, Spey District Salmon Fisheries Board, Ayrshire Rivers Trust, Cromarty Firth Fishery Board, and Kyle of Sutherland District Salmon Fisheries Board.
SRTMN outputs are used to provide the evidence base for fisheries management plans and funding applications to support new riparian tree planning (e.g. Cairngorms National Park Green Recovery Fund).
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How to cite
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) (2023) Protecting fish from high river temperatures under climate change. Available at https://rgs.org/protectingfish Last accessed on: <date>