Indicators for Climate Change Impacts - Rivers in temperate ecoregions, Large rivers
Replacement of salmonid by cyprinid fish species
| Stressor type | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Responding parameter group | Biological parameters |
| Responding parameter | Replacement of salmonid by cyprinid fish species |
Response description
Higher water temperatures will reduce reproductive success of salmonid species and increase parasitic and predator pressure on the egg and young larval stages. Warm water cyprinid species will invade in cold water regions.
Secondary effects
Food webs will change if salmonid species as main predators of macroinvertebrates will be reduced.
Specification of relevant ecosystem type
Relevant for all large rivers in temperate ecoregions.
Relevant ecoregion(s) according to Illies
Pyrenees (2), Alps (4), Western Mountains (8), Central Mountains (9), Carpathians (10)
Suggested indicator
Water temperature (maximum and minimum monthly values)
Justification of indicator
The eggs of salmonid species need high oxygen concentrations which will be reduced by higher water temperatures. Parasites and fungi benefit of high temperatures.
