Research Document - 2012/165
Water temperature characteristics of the Miramichi and Restigouche Rivers
By D. Caissie, C. Breau, J. Hayward, and P. Cameron
Abstract
Water temperature is a key habitat factor in lotic ecosystems and influences many physical, chemical, and biological properties of rivers. Hence a good understanding of the thermal regime of rivers is essential for effective management of water and fisheries resources. This is especially important if fisheries need to be closed at times of high water temperature stress. This study characterizes the thermal regime of the Miramichi and Restigouche rivers. The annual cycle of water temperature was analyzed as well as summer minimum, maximum and mean. Following this analysis, threshold temperatures were analyzed (mainly Tmax >23°C and Tmin > 20°C) as they were shown to be important thresholds for Atlantic salmon in terms of physiological stress related to high water temperature events (Tmax) and their potential recovery from these events (Tmin). The thermal regime analysis revealed that the Miramichi River experiences warmer conditions than the Restigouche River. This was observed at many levels, including higher summer temperatures, more frequent exceedance of selected thresholds, and more frequent occurrences of low water conditions early in the year. Differences were noted between main river water temperatures and tributary sites, which may be important for management purposes.
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