Programming supports a comprehensive network of cooperative study units to facilitatecooperative research, technical assistance, education, and training to inform science-based management ofthe…

This Cooperative Agreement award from the National Park Service (NPS) under the Cooperative Research and Training Programs - Resources of the National Park System (CFDA 15.945) program provides $165,000 to the University of Colorado to conduct research to inform science-based management of the National Park System. The project will utilize existing data to: (1) identify priority lakes for bioenergetics modeling, (2) generate lake temperature projections under future climate scenarios, and (3) develop bioenergetics models for sockeye salmon and lake trout to assess changes in fish productivity based on current and future lake temperatures. The results will provide direct management applications and inform local communities about the future sensitivity of these native fish species in NPS waters. The award period is from July 31, 2024 to December 31, 2026.

Programming supports a comprehensive network of cooperative study units to facilitatecooperative research, technical assistance, education, and training to inform science-based management ofthe national park system. The study units facilitate multi-disciplinary science and integrated informationproducts across multiple geographic regions of the national park system. This project will utilize existing data in three NPS inventory and monitoring division networks in alaska to accomplish the following objectives: (1) identify priority lakes for bioenergetics modeling, given existing data and input from park managers and community members, (2) use existing water and air temperature data and models to generate lake temperature projections under future climate scenarios, and (3) develop bioenergetics models for sockeye salmon and lake trout to assess changes in fish productivity (e.g., growth, energetic condition, reproductive output), based on current and projected future lake temperatures. Accomplishing these objectives will allow for a better understanding of how future climate scenarios and changing thermal regimes will impact sensitive native fish species in NPS waters. The results will provide direct management applications and inform local communities as to the future and sensitivity of these resources. Beneficiaries include state and local governments, federally recognizedindian tribal governments, public private nonprofit organizations, nonprofit institutions of highereducation, and the general public).