Assessing the impact of climate change and a water management program on white sturgeon physiology in Nechako River, British Columbia

For feeding larvae, Te values exceeded 1 under both scenarios, reaching up to 1.5 by the mid-century (2050s) and up to 1.8 by the end of the century (2090s) under SSP5-8.5. Juvenile white sturgeon also faced increased thermal risks, with Te values rising above 1 during July and August, reaching 1.4 and 1.8 by the 2050s and 1.8 and 2.0 by the 2090s under SSP5-8.5, compared to the 1980s. These results underscore the need to evaluate the existing water management program to better accommodate the projected changes in thermal conditions associated with climate change.

Additionally, regulated river discharge, which can both increase and decrease downstream temperatures, offers a strategic opportunity to mitigate some climate impacts through strategic dam discharge management.