Thermal infrared remote sensing to identify critical thermal refuges in southern NB rivers.

Under current and future climate change scenarios, our Atlantic rivers are warming. Rising river temperatures will negatively influence river biota, with critical thermal limits currently being reached intermittently in some regions. The significance of the warming trend is manifested in summer when salmonid populations are already suffering losses (Breau et al. 2007). Using remote sensing, we propose to map the frequency and distribution of thermal refuges in rivers sections in southern New Brunswick (Hammond, Kennebecasis, and Petitcodiac Rivers). Airborne optical and thermal infrared imaging techniques will be employed to identify thermal refuges and link to landscape-level GIS variables applying techniques developed under two previously funded ASCF projects (RRWMC with INRS-ETE in 2011, Dugdale et al, 2013, Monk et al. 2013). These methods will be incorporated into the larger project objective of developing a comprehensive GIS-based long-term aquatic monitoring plan that can be applied in any watershed in NB and beyond.

Contact: Dr. Michelle Gray, 506-453-4577, m.gray@unb.ca