Thermal adaptation in an iconic cold-adapted species

Brook trout are a cold-water species facing mounting pressure as streams warm across their native range.

To understand how cold-adapted species like brook trout respond to heat stress, we are conducting common garden experiments that expose brook trout to different thermal environments. This work will reveal how brook trout are genetically adapted to temperature and help us predict where populations may persist--or be most at risk--as the climate warms. Results from this work not only guide targeted management interventions, but also provide critical insights for conserving other cold-adapted fishes facing similar challenges.

Read more about this work here.