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SMEA’s Chris Sergeant Examines a Changing Climate and Salmon Habitat in the Taku

SMEA Senior Research Scientist, Chris Sergeant, was lead author of a recent publication in the journal Climatic Change. The seven-author research team described the diversity of water temperature patterns in the massive, roadless, and undammed T’aakú (Taku) watershed, which is widely known as a stronghold for Pacific salmon. Some tributaries run icy cold thanks to glaciers, while others, especially those below big lakes, get warm enough to stress salmon. As glaciers shrink and the climate warms, protecting this mix of cold, moderate, and warm streams will be key to keeping salmon runs resilient. The authors sincerely thank the citizens, elders, and staff with the Taku River Tlingit First Nation, who have supported this work and continue to steward their lands.
The paper, titled Stream thermal regime variability and the influences of geomorphology, land cover, and climate in a free-flowing watershed,is available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10584-026-04296-0
Aerial view of a mountain valley blanketed in low clouds, with a winding river below and dark peaks under a moody, overcast sky. Aerial view of a braided river winding through a vast forested mountain valley beneath a dramatic, cloudy sky, creating a remote, tranquil mood. A winding river snakes through lush green wetlands beneath forested mountain slopes and a cloudy sky, creating a vast, tranquil wilderness scene.