4.2 Aquatic Communities
action. Tese include Eurasian Watermilfoil, Alligator Weed, and the Common Reed (see Appendix E for scientifc names). Te most troublesome species in low salinity, estuarine waters is Eurasian Watermilfoil (Deaton et al. 2010) . Climate Change . Climate change will infuence water quality, salinity, water depth, and temperature, which will in turn alter fsh distribution and abundance (Deaton et al. 2010) . Tere are expected increases in temperature and sea level for the immediate future based on a history of measurement data (Bin et al. 2007; Bin 2008; UNCW 2008; Deaton et al. 2010) . Long-term changes in temperature and salinity suggest expansion of some species at the expense of others. Tere is also a predicted increase in storm events and other extreme weather condi- tions (i.e., drought) (Deaton et al. 2010) . If the predicted rate of sea level rise occurs too quickly, natural coastal wetland accretion processes may not keep pace. Increasing frequencies and severity of coastal storms and storm surge will contribute to inlet breaches along barrier islands and lead to signifcant increases in salinities in Pamlico Sounds and its tributaries. Tere could also be a loss of barrier islands and wetlands as coastal areas are submerged by rising water elevation. Marsh islands provide shelter that protects SAV beds from wind and wave action during the growing season (Deaton et al. 2010) . Warming trends pose a threat to Eelgrass because it is growing near its southern limits; however, studies suggest the decline in Eelgrass is ofset by increases in shoal grass beds (Deaton et al . 2010) . When water temperatures are above 25°C–30°C (77°F–86°F), Eelgrass does poorly. Eelgrass thrives only where water temperatures are lower (i.e., deeper areas and tidal fats with continuous water fow) (SAFMC 1998; Deaton et al. 2010) . 4.2.14.4 Climate Change Compared to Other Threats Current research suggests that climate change and associated sealevel rise will be a sig- nifcant stressor in the region for the near future ( APNEP 2012 ). Comparing climate change to other ecosystem threats can help defne short- and long-term conservation actions and recommendations. While climate change is a threat to estuarine aquatic communities, it is likely that a combination of synergistic efects with other ongoing threats will be the source of stress to this system to the point where several species are unable to persist. Table 4.14 provides a review of expected climate change impacts in order of importance in compari- son with other types of threats.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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