Fisheries

The natural distribution of fish populations is heavily dependent on thermal or temperature range limits in the ocean. Sockeye salmon are a good example of this. As the Earth warms, the distribution of salmon in the North Pacific can be expected to change.

Scientists from Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Environment Canada simulated the changes expected with a doubling of CO2 in the atmosphere. Map 5 shows the current, normal thermal limits for sockeye salmon in December (upper panel) and July (lower panel). The thermal limits predicted with doubled CO2 are the boundary labeled 2 x CO2. The results indicate that the climate change associated with a doubled atmospheric concentration of CO2 may virtually eliminate salmon habitat from the Pacific Ocean.

Contact:

David W. Welch

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Pacific Biological Station

Nanaimo, BC

V9R 5K6

250-756-7218

Email: WelchD@dfo-mpo.gc.ca