Files
Abstract
There is little debate that our climate is warming, and this change may affect the persistence of trout in the cool-water regions of Georgia. This study focused on how warming from May to September could affect both trout-based recreational opportunities and future suitable thermal habitat availability in the state. The impact warming may have on future habitat availability and recreational opportunities for trout was examined by evaluating thermal habitat under three climate change scenarios. Increases in water temperature were then intersected with angler preference data to determine where habitat and angling opportunity loss would be the greatest across northern Georgia. Results revealed a substantial decrease in future suitable thermal habitat and a loss of angling opportunities for anglers during the summer months. Implications suggest holding fish in hatcheries through the warmest part of the year (June- Aug.) and stocking the majority of fish after summer to increase angler opportunities and avoid increased fish mortality due to high water temperatures during the summer months.