Report on the Impact of Climate Change on Freshwater Fish Species in Southern New England and the Importance of Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems in Southern New England is facing significant threats primarily due to human activities and climate change. This report emphasizes the critical role of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), in addressing these challenges to protect native fish species and their habitats.

Climate Change and Its Effects on Freshwater Ecosystems

1. Warming Waters and Oxygen Levels: Increased water temperatures correlate with lower oxygen levels, altered stream flows, and heightened aquatic stressors such as algal blooms and polluted stormwater runoff. These changes threaten cold-water fish species by shrinking their habitats and enabling nonnative warm-water species to dominate.
2. Species-Specific Impacts: For example, the Eastern brook trout, reliant on cold-water habitats, is experiencing range reductions due to warming streams and pollution from fertilizer runoff and acid rain, which lower water pH and impair spawning.
3. Global Research Findings: A 2021 study analyzing 11,425 riverine fish species revealed that limiting global warming to 1.5°C significantly reduces the number of species exposed to climatic extremes, underscoring the necessity of strong climate commitments aligned with SDG 13.
4. Biodiversity at Risk: Freshwater habitats, though covering only 0.8% of the Earth’s surface, support approximately 15,000 fish species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 2023 assessment found that 25% of freshwater fish species are at risk of extinction, with climate change affecting at least 17% of threatened species.

Projected Habitat Declines and Federal Perspectives

• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates a 62% national decline in suitable cold-water fisheries habitat by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions are not mitigated.
• Without mitigation, climate change will transform many cold-water fish habitats into warm-water environments, which are less valuable recreationally and ecologically.

Species of Concern in Southern New England

The following freshwater and saltwater fish species in Southern New England are listed as species of concern, threatened, or endangered. Conservation efforts for these species contribute to achieving SDG 14 and SDG 15 by preserving aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem health.

American Brook Lamprey

• Status: Threatened in Rhode Island and Massachusetts
• Habitat: Freshwater streams and rivers
• Range: Extends from Alabama and Georgia to New England and the Great Lakes
• Conservation Note: Populations are limited and fragmented, with viable groups mainly in the Blackstone River watershed.

Bridle Shiner

• Status: Species of concern in Massachusetts
• Habitat: Freshwater ray-finned fish across major watersheds
• Threats: Habitat loss, water quality degradation, agricultural runoff, and pollutant discharges

Burbot

• Status: Species of concern in Massachusetts
• Habitat: Freshwater cod species found in various New England watersheds
• Conservation Concern: Populations are sparse and possibly extirpated in some areas

Eastern Silvery Minnow

• Status: Species of concern in Massachusetts
• Habitat: Connecticut River, with no recent documentation

Lake Chub

• Status: Endangered in Massachusetts
• Habitat: Clear, cold lakes and fast-flowing rivers
• Range: Isolated populations in the Westfield River watershed

Longnose Sucker

• Status: Species of concern in Massachusetts
• Habitat: Various river watersheds with fragmented populations
• Threats: Dams, altered streamflows, and pollution

Northern Redbelly Dace

• Status: Endangered in Massachusetts
• Habitat: Deerfield River watershed, with possible extirpation

Atlantic Sturgeon

• Status: State historical in Rhode Island; endangered in Massachusetts
• Habitat: Coastal marine, estuarine, and large river systems
• Conservation Efforts: Migration and spawning patterns monitored to support recovery

Shortnose Sturgeon

• Status: State historical in Rhode Island; endangered in Massachusetts
• Habitat: Connecticut and Merrimack rivers with fragmented populations
• Conservation Challenges: Flow regulation limiting reproduction success

Threespine Stickleback

• Status: Threatened in Massachusetts
• Habitat: Freshwater and saltwater environments, including a unique freshwater population in coastal eastern Massachusetts
• Threats: Hydrological alterations, chemical runoff, invasive predators, erosion, and sedimentation

Conclusion and Recommendations

The preservation of freshwater fish species in Southern New England is intrinsically linked to global efforts to combat climate change and protect biodiversity, as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals. Strengthening commitments to limit global warming, improving water quality, restoring habitats, and mitigating pollution are essential actions. These efforts will contribute to achieving SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), ensuring the health of aquatic ecosystems and the species that depend on them.

References

• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, 2023
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Freshwater Fish Report
• 2021 Climate Impact Study on Riverine Fish Species
• Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut State Wildlife Agencies

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article discusses the impact of climate change on freshwater ecosystems, fish habitats, and biodiversity, emphasizing the need to limit global warming.
2. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Focus on protecting freshwater fish species, many of which are threatened or endangered, and the health of aquatic ecosystems.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The article highlights biodiversity loss in freshwater habitats and the threats to native species from pollution and habitat degradation.
4. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Issues such as water pollution from fertilizer runoff, acid rain, and stormwater runoff affecting water quality and aquatic life are discussed.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies and planning.
2. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and freshwater ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
   • Target 14.4: Effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing to restore fish stocks.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats and halt biodiversity loss.
4. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
   • Target 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Species Extinction Risk
   • Percentage of freshwater fish species at risk of extinction (e.g., 25% of assessed species are at risk).
   • Number or percentage of species affected by climate change impacts.
2. Habitat Suitability and Range
   • Decline in habitat suitable for cold-water fisheries (e.g., estimated 62% decline nationally through 2100).
   • Geographic range exposure of species to climatic extremes under different warming scenarios (e.g., 36% species exposed at 3.2°C warming).
3. Water Quality Indicators
   • Water pH levels affecting species survival (e.g., acid rain lowering pH).
   • Levels of pollutants such as fertilizer runoff and sedimentation affecting aquatic habitats.
4. Population and Distribution Monitoring
   • Population counts and presence/absence data for species in specific watersheds (e.g., number of stream segments occupied).
   • Reproduction success rates and survival of early life stages (e.g., sturgeon spawning success).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ecori.org