Meta-Analysis of Temperature Effects on the Growth of Juvenile Stages of Marine and Freshwater Fishes
Faculty Mentor
Scott Santagata
Area of Research
Biology, Marine Biology
Major
Biology with Concentration in Evolution/Ecology
Description
INTRODUCTION: Climate change and ocean warming are occurring at an alarming rate, posing ecological challenges to marine and freshwater species alike. Understanding how predicted temperature increases will affect the survivorship and growth of species life stages particularly at risk is crucial for the future management of diverse and commercially important fish species.
METHOD: Here, we provide a meta-analysis to test how changes in water temperature influence the growth of the early life stages of 11 freshwater and marine species with different thermal tolerances.
RESULTS: Based on these data, we would predict that species with narrow geographical ranges and thermal tolerances would be more at risk than wide-ranging, eurythermal species. Growth generally increased from very cold to moderate temperatures, varying widely among taxa. High growth was observed within 10–30 °C, with peak growth within the 15–25 °C range. Extreme temperatures showed significant decreases in growth among all taxa. Warm-adapted reef fishes (P. amboinensis and P. moluccensis) exhibited significant growth at higher temperatures (25–30 °C). Temperate species (C. harengus and D. labrax) exhibited significant declines under extreme warming, with peak growth at cooler temperatures (10–20 °C). Juvenile growth varied with temperature treatments among species, as freshwater species exhibited more resilience to higher temperatures, while growth of marine species acclimated to colder waters (C. striata and D. labrax) was limited to a 10–20 °C temperature range.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Although predicted temperature increases due to climate change may benefit some eurythermal freshwater species, most temperate marine species will likely be negatively impacted, especially some species of sea bass.
Meta-Analysis of Temperature Effects on the Growth of Juvenile Stages of Marine and Freshwater Fishes
INTRODUCTION: Climate change and ocean warming are occurring at an alarming rate, posing ecological challenges to marine and freshwater species alike. Understanding how predicted temperature increases will affect the survivorship and growth of species life stages particularly at risk is crucial for the future management of diverse and commercially important fish species.
METHOD: Here, we provide a meta-analysis to test how changes in water temperature influence the growth of the early life stages of 11 freshwater and marine species with different thermal tolerances.
RESULTS: Based on these data, we would predict that species with narrow geographical ranges and thermal tolerances would be more at risk than wide-ranging, eurythermal species. Growth generally increased from very cold to moderate temperatures, varying widely among taxa. High growth was observed within 10–30 °C, with peak growth within the 15–25 °C range. Extreme temperatures showed significant decreases in growth among all taxa. Warm-adapted reef fishes (P. amboinensis and P. moluccensis) exhibited significant growth at higher temperatures (25–30 °C). Temperate species (C. harengus and D. labrax) exhibited significant declines under extreme warming, with peak growth at cooler temperatures (10–20 °C). Juvenile growth varied with temperature treatments among species, as freshwater species exhibited more resilience to higher temperatures, while growth of marine species acclimated to colder waters (C. striata and D. labrax) was limited to a 10–20 °C temperature range.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Although predicted temperature increases due to climate change may benefit some eurythermal freshwater species, most temperate marine species will likely be negatively impacted, especially some species of sea bass.