An Analysis of Risk Posed By Climate Change to Fisheries Management in the Great Lakes and Canadian Freshwaters

Climate change and the related changes in temperature and hydrology are predicted to have signifiant effect on freswater ecosystems.   We carried out a risk assessment of the impact of climate change on management of fisheries in the Great Lakes and Canadian freshwaters.  We used literature reviews and expert analyses as the basis for this risk assessment. We reviewed the trends and predictions of changes due to climate during short and long time frames.  We reviewed the predicted impact of those changes on ecosystem function, fish communities, and fisheries.   With expert input, we evaluated the probability and the magnitude of changes on efforts to manage fisheries.   This risk assessment identified significant risk to ecosystem function and to biological resources.   The results suggest planning for adaptation will be necessary to maintain effective fisheries management and to sustain the value of fisheries.