Habitat Alteration

Aquatic Stressors

Most simply, a habitat is the place and conditions in which an organism lives. Habitats are defined by the physical characteristics of an environment and the interconnected living beings that derive their life-support from that environment. While it may be easy to understand that alterations to habit can threaten the well-being of organisms and species, quantifying the consequences of habitat alteration is a complex problem. The challenge lies in describing the relationship between organisms and their habitat in adequate and accurate enough detail to enable scientists to predict the effects of changes. This information is crucial to setting priorities for protection and restoration efforts.

Planned research under the topic of Habitat Alteration includes work to collect information about how changes in vegetated aquatic habitats affect species that are of particular concern because of their commercial, societal, or ecological value. Also under development are models that will link changes in a habitat to the responses of populations dependant on that habitat. Special emphasis is placed on evaluating how human activities and other stresses affect salmon, other native fish, and wildlife.

More Information View information about the Implementation Plan for Habitat Alteration Research within the Aquatic Stressors PDF file (PDF, 197 pp, 3.21 MB, About PDF).

Habitat Alteration

Aquatic Stressors

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