Fish
Fish populations have suffered from over-fishing and loss of habitat throughout the recent past and climate change has the potential to further impact the well-being of a variety of fish species in Western Washington.
Impacts of climate change on natural resources
Point No Point Treaty Council and Tribal staff members carry out a variety of scientific studies in an effort to understand the impacts that climate variability and change have had and likely will have on the valuable natural resources of western Washington. Below are some of the impacts that have been observed or are likely to occur. We will be updating the descriptions of these impacts as new data are collected and studies are completed.
Atmospheric
As a result of human activities since the Industrial Revolution, there have been increases in atmospheric greenhouse gas levels, which is expected to continue increasing warming and climate change.
Fresh Waters
Freshwater systems in the Pacific Northwest are already being affected by the changing climate. For example, trends in seasonal stream flow timing is already shifting in sensitive watersheds.
Forests
Warming temperatures are expected to significantly alter the distribution and composition of forests. Increased temperatures and drought will lead to more frequent and larger fires; trees will likely be more vulnerable to insect outbreaks as rising temperatures allow pest species expand into new ranges.
Marine Waters
Coastal and marine ecosystems in Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca are projected to experience continued increases in sea surface temperatures, sea level rise, and ocean acidification.
