While it may be easier to think about species shifts on land these same changes are afoot underwater. As ocean waters warm, currents change and the ocean’s pH drops, species are moving in response. In lakes and rivers, water temperature and flow rates are affected not only by warming air but changing patterns and timing of precipitation. Many aquatic species have life history stages dependent on these factors and their ranges or phenology are shifting in response. Lentic species can be particularly challenged as they may not be able to disperse to follow the climatological shifts. This is also true for lotic species where the flow of the river may not follow the desired direction of movement.
Results/Conclusions
In both marine and freshwater systems there is consideration being given to develop protected areas that include places that are more resistant to climate change, increasing connectivity along the gradients where movement is expected and rethinking what species protection means. Examples will be provided from coral reef protected area design efforts in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and coastal temperate regions dealing with sea level rise and migration of coastal habitat and species inland. In rivers species range shifts may require new attention be paid to artificial barriers like dams and how they can be overcome, as well as how to ameliorate thermal stress by restoring riparian vegetation. Preparing for the movement of species in the aquatic environment is not just about protected areas, its also about improving monitoring and management to be proactive to climate change. For example the ranges of some fisheries are shifting into areas where that species has not been harvest before and no regulations or catch limits exist. The North Pacific Fishery Management Council had set up precautionary rules while they attempt to sort out what newly arriving commercially significant species mean for the region.
