Sustainability Seminar Series: On thin ice: Are lakes feeling the heat?

Speaker: Professor Sapna Sharma.
Lakes are warming around the world in response to a changing climate, including warmer water temperatures and shorter ice duration. Lake ice is at risk of becoming extinct in thousands of lakes around the Northern Hemisphere, with widespread consequences for ice fishing, recreation and transportation. Historically, Canadian lakes have been highly significant bellwethers, as they represent a northern or southern limit to many freshwater fish species. This makes Canadian fish particularly vulnerable to climate change. Of particular interest are walleye and smallmouth bass. Walleye, trout and smallmouth bass are all angler favourites. But as the feisty smallmouth bass continues its march northward in Canada, it will put populations of trout and walleye at long-term risk.