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Sergeant CJ, Moore JW, Whited DC, Pitman KJ, Connor M, Sexton EK. An interdisciplinary synthesis of floodplain ecosystem dynamics in a rapidly deglaciating watershed. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169245. [PMID: 38072264 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Glacier retreat is rapidly transforming some watersheds, with ramifications for water supply, ecological succession, important species such as Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), and cultural uses of landscapes. To advance a more holistic understanding of the evolution of proglacial landscapes, we integrate multiple lines of knowledge starting in the early 1900s with contemporary data from the Taaltsux̱éi (Tulsequah) Watershed in British Columbia, Canada. Our objectives were to: 1) synthesize recent historical geography and Indigenous Knowledge, including glacier dynamics, and hydrology; 2) describe the limnology of a proglacial lake; 3) quantify decadal-scale downstream physical floodplain change; and 4) characterize riverine physical, chemical, and biological differences relative to distance from the proglacial lake. Since 1982, the Tulsequah Glacier has receded 0.07 km/yr, exposing a cold, deep, and growing proglacial lake. The downstream floodplain is rapidly changing; satellite imagery analysis revealed a 14 % increase in vegetation from 2003 to 2017 and Indigenous Knowledge described increases in vegetation and wildlife habitat over the last century. Contemporary measurements of physical-chemical water properties differed across sites representing the upper and lower watershed, and mainstem and off-channel habitats. Catches of juvenile salmonids in the upper watershed (closer to the glacier) were mostly limited to warmer, clearer groundwater-fed channels, whereas in the lower watershed there were salmonids in both groundwater-fed and mainstem habitats. There was limited zooplankton taxa diversity from the proglacial lake and benthic macroinvertebrates in the river. Collectively, our synthesis suggests that the transformation of proglacial landscapes experiencing rapid ice loss can be influenced by interlinked abiotic processes of glacier retreat, lake formation, and altered hydrology, as well as corresponding biological processes such as beaver repopulation, wetland formation, and riparian vegetation growth. These factors, along with expected increases to proglacial lake productivity and salmon habitat suitability, are an important consideration for forward-looking watershed management of glacier-fed rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Sergeant
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, 32125 Bio Station Ln, Polson, MT 59860-6815, USA.
| | - Jonathan W Moore
- Earth2Ocean Research Group, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Diane C Whited
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, 32125 Bio Station Ln, Polson, MT 59860-6815, USA.
| | - Kara J Pitman
- Earth2Ocean Research Group, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Mark Connor
- Lands, Resources, and Fisheries, Taku River Tlingit First Nation, P.O. Box 132, Atlin, BC V0W 1A0, Canada.
| | - Erin K Sexton
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, 32125 Bio Station Ln, Polson, MT 59860-6815, USA.
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Moore JW, Pitman KJ, Whited D, Marsden NT, Sexton EK, Sergeant CJ, Connor M. Mining stakes claim on salmon futures as glaciers retreat. Science 2023; 382:887-889. [PMID: 37995230 DOI: 10.1126/science.adj4911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Future ecological value of emerging habitats must be considered as climate change transforms the planet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan W Moore
- Earth to Ocean Research Group, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Kara J Pitman
- Earth to Ocean Research Group, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Diane Whited
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, MT, USA
| | | | - Erin K Sexton
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, MT, USA
| | | | - Mark Connor
- Taku River Tlingit Fisheries, Atlin, BC, Canada
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3
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Sergeant CJ, Bellmore JR, Bellmore RA, Falke JA, Mueter FJ, Westley PAH. Hypoxia vulnerability in the salmon watersheds of Southeast Alaska. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 896:165247. [PMID: 37400021 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
The frequency of dissolved oxygen depletion events (hypoxia) in coastal aquatic ecosystems has risen dramatically since the late 20th century, yet the causes and consequences of hypoxia for some culturally and economically important species remain poorly understood. In rivers, oxygen depletion can be caused by high densities of spawning Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) consuming oxygen faster than can be replaced by reaeration. This process may be exacerbated when salmon densities are artificially inflated, such as when hatchery-origin salmon stray into rivers instead of returning to hatcheries. In Southeast Alaska, hatchery salmon production has increased rapidly since the 1970s, with over 553 million chum salmon (O. keta) and 64 million pink salmon (O. gorbuscha) released in 2021 alone. Straying is pervasive in streams with outlets <25 km from nearshore marine hatchery release sites. Using a previously ground-truthed mechanistic model of dissolved oxygen dynamics, we examined how water temperature and low-flow channel hydraulics contribute to hypoxia vulnerability. We then applied the model to predict hypoxia vulnerability for watersheds within 25 km of hatchery salmon release points, where straying salmon spawner densities are expected to be higher and promote dissolved oxygen depletion. Our model predicted that low-gradient stream reaches, regardless of water temperature, are the most prone to hypoxia due to low reaeration rates. Our spatial analysis determined that nearly 17,000 km of anadromous-accessible stream reaches are vulnerable to high densities of hatchery-origin salmon based on 2021 release sites. To our knowledge, this study is the first to map the spatial variation of hypoxia vulnerability in anadromous watersheds, identify habitat conditions most likely to promote hypoxia, and provide a repeatable analytical approach to identify hypoxia-prone stream reaches that can be updated as empirical data sets improve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Sergeant
- College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 17101 Point Lena Loop Rd, Juneau, AK 99801, USA; Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, 32125 Bio Station Ln, Polson, MT 59860-6815, USA.
| | - J Ryan Bellmore
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, 11175 Auke Lake Way, Juneau, AK 99801, USA.
| | - Rebecca A Bellmore
- Southeast Alaska Watershed Coalition, 1107 W 8th St, Juneau, AK 99801, USA.
| | - Jeffrey A Falke
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, 2140 Koyukuk Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7020, USA.
| | - Franz J Mueter
- College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 17101 Point Lena Loop Rd, Juneau, AK 99801, USA.
| | - Peter A H Westley
- College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2150 Koyukuk Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA.
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4
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Bosson JB, Huss M, Cauvy-Fraunié S, Clément JC, Costes G, Fischer M, Poulenard J, Arthaud F. Future emergence of new ecosystems caused by glacial retreat. Nature 2023; 620:562-569. [PMID: 37587299 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06302-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Glacier shrinkage and the development of post-glacial ecosystems related to anthropogenic climate change are some of the fastest ongoing ecosystem shifts, with marked ecological and societal cascading consequences1-6. Yet, no complete spatial analysis exists, to our knowledge, to quantify or anticipate this important changeover7,8. Here we show that by 2100, the decline of all glaciers outside the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets may produce new terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems over an area ranging from the size of Nepal (149,000 ± 55,000 km2) to that of Finland (339,000 ± 99,000 km2). Our analysis shows that the loss of glacier area will range from 22 ± 8% to 51 ± 15%, depending on the climate scenario. In deglaciated areas, the emerging ecosystems will be characterized by extreme to mild ecological conditions, offering refuge for cold-adapted species or favouring primary productivity and generalist species. Exploring the future of glacierized areas highlights the importance of glaciers and emerging post-glacial ecosystems in the face of climate change, biodiversity loss and freshwater scarcity. We find that less than half of glacial areas are located in protected areas. Echoing the recent United Nations resolution declaring 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation9 and the Global Biodiversity Framework10, we emphasize the need to urgently and simultaneously enhance climate-change mitigation and the in situ protection of these ecosystems to secure their existence, functioning and values.
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Affiliation(s)
- J B Bosson
- Asters, Conservatory of Natural Areas of Haute-Savoie, Annecy, France.
| | - M Huss
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology (VAW), ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Geosciences, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - S Cauvy-Fraunié
- INRAE, UR RIVERLY, Centre de Lyon-Villeurbanne, Villeurbanne, France
| | - J C Clément
- Université Savoie Mont Blanc, INRAE, CARRTEL, Thonon-les-Bains, France
| | - G Costes
- Asters, Conservatory of Natural Areas of Haute-Savoie, Annecy, France
| | - M Fischer
- Institute of Geography, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - J Poulenard
- Laboratory Environnement Dynamique et Territoire de la Montagne (EDYTEM), Université Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, Le Bourget-du-Lac, France
| | - F Arthaud
- Université Savoie Mont Blanc, INRAE, CARRTEL, Thonon-les-Bains, France
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Wilkes MA, Carrivick JL, Castella E, Ilg C, Cauvy-Fraunié S, Fell SC, Füreder L, Huss M, James W, Lencioni V, Robinson C, Brown LE. Glacier retreat reorganizes river habitats leaving refugia for Alpine invertebrate biodiversity poorly protected. Nat Ecol Evol 2023:10.1038/s41559-023-02061-5. [PMID: 37142743 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-02061-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Alpine river biodiversity around the world is under threat from glacier retreat driven by rapid warming, yet our ability to predict the future distributions of specialist cold-water species is currently limited. Here we link future glacier projections, hydrological routing methods and species distribution models to quantify the changing influence of glaciers on population distributions of 15 alpine river invertebrate species across the entire European Alps, from 2020 to 2100. Glacial influence on rivers is projected to decrease steadily, with river networks expanding into higher elevations at a rate of 1% per decade. Species are projected to undergo upstream distribution shifts where glaciers persist but become functionally extinct where glaciers disappear completely. Several alpine catchments are predicted to offer climate refugia for cold-water specialists. However, present-day protected area networks provide relatively poor coverage of these future refugia, suggesting that alpine conservation strategies must change to accommodate the future effects of global warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Wilkes
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
| | - J L Carrivick
- School of Geography and water@leeds, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - E Castella
- Section of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - C Ilg
- VSA, Swiss Water Association, Glattbrugg, Switzerland
| | - S Cauvy-Fraunié
- INRAE, UR RIVERLY, Centre de Lyon-Villeurbanne, Villeurbanne, France
| | - S C Fell
- School of Geography and water@leeds, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - L Füreder
- Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - M Huss
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - W James
- School of Geography and water@leeds, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - V Lencioni
- Climate and Ecology Unit, Research and Museum Collections Office, MUSE- Science Museum of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - C Robinson
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag, Duebendorf, CH and Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - L E Brown
- School of Geography and water@leeds, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
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Sergeant CJ, Sexton EK, Moore JW, Westwood AR, Nagorski SA, Ebersole JL, Chambers DM, O'Neal SL, Malison RL, Hauer FR, Whited DC, Weitz J, Caldwell J, Capito M, Connor M, Frissell CA, Knox G, Lowery ED, Macnair R, Marlatt V, McIntyre JK, McPhee MV, Skuce N. Risks of mining to salmonid-bearing watersheds. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn0929. [PMID: 35776798 PMCID: PMC10883362 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn0929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mining provides resources for people but can pose risks to ecosystems that support cultural keystone species. Our synthesis reviews relevant aspects of mining operations, describes the ecology of salmonid-bearing watersheds in northwestern North America, and compiles the impacts of metal and coal extraction on salmonids and their habitat. We conservatively estimate that this region encompasses nearly 4000 past producing mines, with present-day operations ranging from small placer sites to massive open-pit projects that annually mine more than 118 million metric tons of earth. Despite impact assessments that are intended to evaluate risk and inform mitigation, mines continue to harm salmonid-bearing watersheds via pathways such as toxic contaminants, stream channel burial, and flow regime alteration. To better maintain watershed processes that benefit salmonids, we highlight key windows during the mining governance life cycle for science to guide policy by more accurately accounting for stressor complexity, cumulative effects, and future environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Sergeant
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, MT 59860, USA
- College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
| | - Erin K Sexton
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, MT 59860, USA
| | - Jonathan W Moore
- Earth2Ocean Research Group, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Alana R Westwood
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Sonia A Nagorski
- Environmental Science Program, University of Alaska Southeast, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
| | | | - David M Chambers
- Center for Science in Public Participation, Bozeman, MT 59715, USA
| | - Sarah L O'Neal
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Rachel L Malison
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, MT 59860, USA
| | - F Richard Hauer
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, MT 59860, USA
| | - Diane C Whited
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, MT 59860, USA
| | - Jill Weitz
- Salmon Beyond Borders, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
| | - Jackie Caldwell
- Lands, Resources, and Fisheries, Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Atlin, BC V0W 1A0, Canada
| | | | - Mark Connor
- Lands, Resources, and Fisheries, Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Atlin, BC V0W 1A0, Canada
| | - Christopher A Frissell
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, MT 59860, USA
- Department of Hydrology, Salish Kootenai College, Pablo, MT 59855, USA
| | - Greg Knox
- SkeenaWild Conservation Trust, Terrace, BC V8G 1M9, Canada
| | - Erin D Lowery
- Environment, Land, and Licensing Business Unit, Seattle City Light, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | | | - Vicki Marlatt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Jenifer K McIntyre
- School of the Environment, Puyallup Research and Extension Center, Washington State University, Puyallup, WA 98371, USA
| | - Megan V McPhee
- College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
| | - Nikki Skuce
- Northern Confluence Initiative, Smithers, BC V0J 2N0, Canada
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7
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Moore JW, Schindler DE. Getting ahead of climate change for ecological adaptation and resilience. Science 2022; 376:1421-1426. [PMID: 35737793 DOI: 10.1126/science.abo3608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Changing the course of Earth's climate is increasingly urgent, but there is also a concurrent need for proactive stewardship of the adaptive capacity of the rapidly changing biosphere. Adaptation ultimately underpins the resilience of Earth's complex systems; species, communities, and ecosystems shift and evolve over time. Yet oncoming changes will seriously challenge current natural resource management and conservation efforts. We review forward-looking conservation approaches to enable adaptation and resilience. Key opportunities include expanding beyond preservationist approaches by including those that enable and facilitate ecological change. Conservation should not just focus on climate change losers but also on proactive management of emerging opportunities. Local efforts to conserve biodiversity and generate habitat complexity will also help to maintain a diversity of future options for an unpredictable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan W Moore
- Earth to Ocean Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Daniel E Schindler
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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