Framework for Protecting Aquatic Biodiversity in the Northeast Under Changing Climates

Aquatic ecosystems provide habitat and migration corridors to a myriad of species, including plants, fishes, amphibians, birds, mammals, and insects. These ecosystems typically contain relatively higher biodiversity than their terrestrial counterparts; yet, aquatic biodiversity loss in North America is occurring at a rate five times faster than in terrestrial ecosystems. One of the major causes of this accelerated biodiversity loss is climate change.



In the last two decades, states in the Northeastern U.S. have developed management plans for protecting aquatic biodiversity. Recent plans consider the general impacts from climate change and include the protection of several habitat types which should promote biodiversity in a changing climate. However, the plans do not define biodiversity metrics, incorporate climate change specifically, nor evaluate alternate protection and restoration scenarios.



This project uses an analytical, iterative process to evaluate aquatic biodiversity protection and management scenarios across four northeastern states (Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont). It directly integrates climate change and management to identify land protection and restoration actions that optimize aquatic biodiversity protection into the future. Ultimately, the results will help managers to promote aquatic ecosystem health and prioritize climate adaptations.