The Why

Maine is Vacationland. Living in Bethel, it is evident that recreation and business go hand in hand. Through my research I have learned a sector of the recreational industry relies on coldwater game fish populations. Maine is known for native brook trout and Arctic Char, which climate change is expected to negatively impact. My climate modeling reveals there is a need for more monitoring to protect coldwater game fish. Enhanced waterway monitoring could create stop-gaps to protect cold-water fish during high stress events. The monitoring would allow Maine to adopt a temperature-based fishing restriction to protect coldwater fish during high thermal temperature and/or low-flow periods and preserve our reputation of being strong stewards of our natural assets. “An expanded riverine system stream gauging network that includes more headwater streams would provide baseline data for potential future changes that might impact aquatic habitat” (MCC STS 2020).

There are two layers to my approach: 1) the state or another funding body to support funding for low-cost, solar powered monitoring stations that provide publicly accessible temperature monitoring; 2) a referendum to implement a temperature-based fishing restriction to protect aquatic resources.

An Order to Strengthen Maine’s Economy And Achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2045 confirms “Maine’s economy is heavily dependent on natural resources including…tourism associated with outdoor recreation (Executive Order, Office of the Governor, 9.23.2019). Maine’s reputation for cold water fisheries is nationally renowned. Eco-tourism is a critical and growing industry, “license sales contributing $319 million a year to the state's economy and supporting over 3,300 jobs”(MIFW). IFW supports responsible stocking of trout to ensure Maine Guides can provide exceptional experiences for clients. 

Ensuring a next level of support for the cold water fish could confirm Maine’s leadership in supporting both tourism and our natural resources. Maine has the largest stronghold of native brook in the nation and attracts tourism for this trophy fish. Maine’s leadership efforts in the warming Gulf, and could provide similar stewardship inland. 

Through my past research into climate modeling and water quality impacting brook trout, the lack of stream-gauges monitoring river characteristics and quality is notable. Only 6 water temperature gauges run by USGS with live updates are evident in Maine, with only 3/6 located in rivers that support coldwater fisheries. Comparatively, Montana supports 64 USGS temperature gauges, Oregon supports approximately 147, Colorado 91, and California 155. Maine is poised for an opportunity. This disparity of gauges is displayed HERE. 

Not having adequate statewide data collection results in overlooking the impact of temperature-based fishing restrictions. Data needs to be collected from high stress events on high impact streams and streams supporting thriving native populations. 

For example, if a gauge was installed at Cedar Stump on the Rapid River it would inform the public on the current fishing conditions: 1) prompting a decreased travel when the known water temperature is dangerously high; 2) recording the data fluctuations over time to better understand the fishery; 3) identifying the high-stress events that occurs over the season. 

The enforcement of a fishing restriction is very difficult and would most likely have to rely on the ‘honor code’ or a similar system. Current research indicates temperature based restrictions and increased monitoring is a good and progressive move towards better health.

I have developed a cost-effective monitoring station to provide publicly accessible temperature and water levels to ensure our native trout population is protected. The data provides easy access to monitor the streams and mitigate the impact of fishing on cold-water species, notably brook trout. 

 My station is structured around the designs written by the USGS. It is designed to monitor the health of coldwater fisheries and be free for public access. All the data can be used by recreationists and scientists. At a cost well under $300-400, compared to $25,000-40,000 for USGS standard stream gauge. Funding for the development of solar powered monitoring stations needs to be advanced and/or partnerships developed.

Below is a picture of the monitoring station and a screenshot of the data dashboard that would be publically available. It shows water and air temperature, stage of the river and clarity of the water. These are all elements that monitor stream health and potential stress events on coldwater fish.

Climate change impact has been modeled to adversely impact cold water fisheries in Maine. Increased hydrological drought, increased air and water temperatures, increased heavy precipitation events will compromise the ecological habitat of Maine native brook trout. With no stream-gauge monitoring system, the cold-water fishing industry is at risk, mitigation strategies will be too late, and species thriveability is in question. 

Hydrological Drought can negatively impact coldwater fisheries as it can lead to low water levels and reduced streamflows. This can cause stress to aquatic life, disrupt spawning cycles, and reduce available habitat for fish populations.

Air and Water Temperature Increase can also have negative effects on coldwater fisheries. As temperatures increase, it can cause a decrease in dissolved oxygen levels, which can be harmful to fish survival. Additionally, warmer temperatures can also increase the growth of harmful algae and bacteria, leading to a decrease in water quality.

Heavy Precipitation Increase can negatively affect coldwater fisheries as it can lead to flash flooding and erosion, which can harm fish habitat and reduce water quality. The increased frequency of extreme precipitation events can also cause water temperatures to fluctuate rapidly, which can be stressful for aquatic life and disrupt spawning cycles. Furthermore, heavy precipitation can also wash pollutants and sediment into streams and rivers, further degrading water quality.