Climate change and biological indicators: detection, attribution, and management implications for aquatic ecosystems

Abstract

Climate change is a complex phenomenon that affects the physical, chemical, and biological factors that constitute the intricate ecosystems of the world. Aquatic ecosystems will change in response to climate-induced changes in hydrological regimes, precipitation, and temperature, and these responses are likely to be confounded with responses to changes in land use. Water-resource managers must sort out these impacts for effective decision-making. This challenge may be overwhelming for environmental managers, who already are assessing causes of degradation caused by multiple other stressors. Effective policy and management decisions require