ScienceDaily (Nov. 21, 2008) — University of British Columbia researchers have found a way to accurately predict the impact of climate change on imperiled Pacific salmon stocks that could result in better management strategies.
In 2004, unusually warm river temperatures and earlier entry into the Fraser River system contributed to the “disappearance” of 70 per cent of the Weaver Creek sockeye stock.
“In contrast, the Gates Creek sockeye stock, which have a higher thermal window, experienced few problems with the same high river temperatures that year.”
“This study shows that an increase over the past 50 years of 1.8 degrees Celsius in the Fraser River’s peak summer temperatures is too much too fast for *some* salmon stocks.” http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081112124416.htm
The article points out that *some* salmon travel up to 1,100 kilometres against powerful currents to spawn, while others have much easier migration routes. The salmon with the more difficult migration routes are more vulnerable to temperature changes.