Impact of Climate Change and Invasive Species on Coldwater Fish Populations
Author Information
Author(s): Sharma Sapna, Vander Zanden M. Jake, Magnuson John J., Lyons John
Primary Institution: Center for Limnology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Hypothesis
How do climate change and the invasion of rainbow smelt affect cisco population extirpations?
Conclusion
Climate change is expected to have a more significant impact on cisco population extirpations than the invasion of rainbow smelt.
Supporting Evidence
- Climate change is expected to lead to the extirpation of 25-70% of cisco populations by 2100.
- Rainbow smelt invasion is predicted to cause about 1% extirpation of cisco populations by 2100.
- The study analyzed data from 4402 lakes to predict cisco occurrence and extirpation rates.
- Logistic regression models indicated that cisco are more likely to be found in cooler, larger, and deeper lakes.
Takeaway
This study looks at how rising temperatures and invasive fish are threatening a type of fish called cisco. It finds that warmer temperatures are a bigger problem than the new fish coming in.
Methodology
The study used logistic regression models to analyze data from over 13,000 lakes in Wisconsin, focusing on fish occurrence and environmental variables.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the reliance on historical data and assumptions in climate models.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on Wisconsin and may not be generalizable to other regions.
Participant Demographics
The study analyzed data from lakes in Wisconsin, USA.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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