Marine
The Scotland River Temperature Monitoring Network
April 17, 2015 by Marine Scotland Communications No Comments | Category Marine Directorate general, Marine Directorate Science
Water temperature (Tw) is of critical importance to aquatic ecosystems and particularly to the growth and survival of freshwater fish. Consequently, there are concerns over rising and more extreme temperatures. Currently, there are limited long-term, quality controlled Tw data available in Scotland. In recognition of this gap in knowledge and capacity, the Coordinated Agenda for Marine, Environment and Rural Affairs Scotland (CAMERAS) Freshwater Monitoring Action Plan (Freshwater MAP) recommended that a national river temperature monitoring network should be established.
Work on the Scotland River Temperature Monitoring Network (SRTMN) began in 2013, when Marine Scotland Science (MSS) and the University of Birmingham received NERC CASE funding for a PhD position to help support the initiative.
The objectives of the SRTMN network are to:
- Characterise spatial and temporal variability in river temperature regimes for salmon rivers across Scotland
- Identify the most sensitive locations and time-periods for high temperatures
- Improve understanding of the landscape controls on Tw
- Develop large scale spatial models to predict future Tw
- Assess options for mitigation and adaptation strategies for high temperature
- Provide a long-term evidence base on changing river water temperatures in Scotland
Work on the design of the SRTMN (where to monitor) began in 2013 with a detailed analysis of landscape controls i.e. the factors known to influence Tw, such as altitude, river size and land use.
This work ensured that the correct range of sites were selected for monitoring and helped avoid the inclusion of sites with similar characteristics that would provide little additional information to the project.
In summer of 2014, the deployment of dataloggers (temperature monitoring equipment) began and it will be completed by summer 2015.
To make best use of available resources, MSS has worked with fisheries trusts, District Salmon Fishery Boards and CAMERAS partners to deploy and maintain the network.
The deployment of Tw dataloggers and collection of data will continue throughout 2015. These data will be used to characterise thermal regimes and model spatial variability in Tw. The outputs of these models will be used to:
- Improve understanding of spatial controls on Tw
- Predict future Tw
- Identify areas sensitive to climate change
- Highlight areas where bankside tree planting may provide beneficial effects by reducing maximum Tw and providing an overall more favourable thermal regime.
Finally, the network will provide a long-term evidence base on the state of Tw in Scottish rivers, to inform freshwater management.
Dr Iain A Malcolm & Faye Jackson
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