Pennsylvania Protects Coldwater Fisheries & Water Quality from Climate Change

Pennsylvania’s freshwater ecosystems are at risk from climate change. Increased air temperatures, and the related increase of stream waters, can reduce the ability for some aquatic species to survive. After conducting a vulnerability assessment, recommended actions include identifying and protecting critical habitat and removing small dams to conserve habitat and mitigate temperature increases. These efforts will improve survival rates for freshwater species, most notably the recreationally and culturally important Eastern Brook Trout. PA’s vulnerability assessment also highlighted how different environmental conditions would lead to differing resilience levels, helping to zero in targets for adaptation efforts.