Diadromous Fishes, Tribal Nations, Climate Change and Human Impacts.

Teffer, Amy^1,2, Michelle Staudinger^1,2, Kieth Nislow^2,3, Adrian Jordaan², Allison Roy2,4, ¹USGS Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, Amherst, MA, ²University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, ³US Forest Service, Amherst, MA, ⁴USGS Cooperative Extension Unit, Amherst, MA

Diadromous fishes are vital nutrient conduits due to their obligate migrations between aquatic and marine habitats. The diadromous life history is therefore a case in point for the benefits of habitat connectivity. As environments become increasingly degraded by climate change, urbanization, and the introduction of harmful substances (e.g., contaminants, pathogens), many diadromous populations are in decline. We are partnering with Tribal Nations whose coastal lands support diadromous fishes to restore populations and habitats across the Northeast USA. Revitalizing historic fisheries in a changing climate warrants a renewed understanding of how biotic and abiotic factors limit fish population productivity. Environmental justice is central to this effort, which includes an assessment of human health risks of fish consumption. Diadromous fishes are physiologically unique indicators of ecosystem health across disparate habitats. Coproduction of science and management plans inherently integrates more perspectives and complexities into decision-making processes, thereby enhancing the equity of restoration outcomes.