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Climate change and conservation of endemic amphidromous fishes in Hawaiian streams

Authors:

RP Walter

JD Hogan

MJ Blum

RB Gagne

EF Hain

JF Gilliam

Peter McIntyre

+2 more
Publication Type:
Journal Article
Year of Publication:
2012
Secondary Title:
Endangered Species Research
ISSN:
1613-4796
DOI:
10.3354/esr00404
Pages:
261-272
Volume:
16
Year:
2012
Date:
03/2012

Abstract

Amphidromous fishes are important members of oceanic island freshwater commu-nities. Although often depauperate, amphidromous fish assemblages on islands are largely com-posed of endemic species. Little is known about the effects of anthropogenic stressors on amphi -dromous fishes, and the consequences of climate-driven changes in water quality and quantity areparticularly uncertain. Focusing on native fishes in Hawaii, we discuss the potential for climatechange to intensify 3 major threats facing amphidromous fish: (1) loss of 'ridge-to-reef' migratorycorridors via disruption of surface water connectivity, (2) in-stream habitat degradation and (3)exotic species introductions. Successfully addressing these and other threats to native fish inHawaii will require approaches that balance conservation needs with use of water resources.Conservation initiatives should focus on 'scaling up' ongoing projects intended to demonstratehow stream protection and restoration, non-native species removal and reintroductions can bene-fit at-risk species. Research initiatives should focus on determining the ecological controls onrecruitment under current and future climate conditions.