Discover How Climate-Driven Summers Are Transforming Maine’s Ecosystem

Valerie Ouellet sees something special in the Narraguagus River. This 55-mile river in Downeast Maine is home to rare cold-water pockets, making it a key spot for wild Atlantic salmon to spawn. These cool areas help the fish survive the increasingly hot summers.

Atlantic salmon thrive in water around 68 degrees. When temperatures rise above 73 degrees, they become stressed and may even die if they can’t find cool spots to hide. Valerie, an ecologist with the Atlantic Salmon Federation, is part of a team studying the river’s temperature and flow, seeking to understand how these cold pockets can protect salmon.

Her findings show these cool spots are disappearing, especially during dry spells. Recent data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reveals that in July 2023, a salmon pool in Cherryfield soared to 83 degrees. “Wild salmon are a sign of a healthy ecosystem,” she says. “If they vanish, it’s a warning sign for us.”

The plight of the salmon reflects a larger environmental shift in Maine. The state is projected to warm by up to 10 degrees by 2100. This changing climate disrupts natural cycles, like plant flowering times and pollination, leading to mismatches in nature. Speaking to experts, the Portland Press Herald found that rising temperatures affect everything from bats to forests.

For instance, trees like spruce and fir are struggling as heat-loving species like oaks move in. This is visible at Acadia National Park, where the landscape is shifting as the tree line climbs higher. A report suggests that red spruce habitat could shrink by 50% in the coming years. “It’s daunting to think about the future,” says Laura Gibson from Friends of Acadia.

Bird populations are also under threat. Predictions suggest that by 2150, up to 60 species could disappear from Acadia. “Nature is sending us a message,” warns Sally Stockwell of Maine Audubon. “We’re seeing alarming changes right here in Maine.”

Moose are also feeling the heat. Lee Kantar, Maine’s only state-appointed moose biologist, has been tracking how longer summers allow winter ticks to thrive, leading to moose deaths. “With climate change, I find myself dealing with a lot of loss,” he notes.

Wildlife rehabilitation centers like the Center for Wildlife in York see firsthand how rising temperatures affect animals. They treat many injured or sick animals during heat waves. For example, chimney swifts can injure themselves when their nests fall apart, while bats struggle to stay cool. “Every injured animal is a cautionary tale for us,” says director Kristen Lamb.

Maine’s lakes are also warming. Between 1980 and 2020, the average temperature of its largest lakes increased by 5.5 degrees. This heat fosters algae blooms, which can be toxic. Lake Auburn, vital for the Lewiston-Auburn area, faces challenges with decreasing oxygen levels, affecting all aquatic life.

Meanwhile, the Gulf of Maine is warming faster than most other oceans, impacting the food chain. A tiny zooplankton, important for fish and whales, is moving north as temperatures rise. “The Gulf of Maine is changing rapidly,” states Kathy Mills from the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. “It’s a sign of how interconnected our ecosystems are.”

Despite these challenges, there’s hope. Scientists are experimenting with moving heat-tolerant plants to cooler areas. Maine’s puffins enjoyed a good nesting season recently, highlighting that conservation efforts can yield positive results.

Ouellet remains focused on how drought affects rivers. “We can’t completely stop our rivers from warming, but we can slow it down,” she asserts. “Humans created this problem, and it’s our job to fix it when we can.”

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