Warmwater Temperatures (≥ 20°C) as a Threat to Pacific Lamprey: Implications of Climate Change

• DOI: 10.3996/jfwm-21-087
• Publication Date: 2022-07-07T19:12:01Z
• Authors: Benjamin J. Clemens
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 13. Climate action; 14. Life underwater; 16. Peace & justice; 01 natural sciences

Abstract Interest in the effects of warmwater temperatures (≥ 20°C) on fishes has grown as biologists attempt to understand impacts climate change native species. Previous research hypothesized that rivers displaying and low river flows, such may become more common with North America, select against Pacific Lamprey Entosphenus tridentatus migrating spawning upper reaches some watersheds. I provide new information from different locations supports this hypothesis, including observations prespawn mortalities during a recent heat wave, when daily water averaged 26.6°C (range: 20.8–30.6°C), additional data literature. These suggest continued warming slowing pose threat Oregon (USA) rivers, which appears agree other suggests lampreys will lose habitats lower latitudes progresses.