Lake chub (Couesius plumbeus)

Photo not available for this species
Category: Fish
State status: Candidate
Vulnerability to climate change (More details)

Moderate

Climate vulnerability

Sensitivity to climate change

Moderate

Although little information regarding the sensitivity of lake chub to climate change is available for Washington, analyses from other regions (e.g., Wyoming, South Dakota, Colorado) indicate that this species may be vulnerable to changes in water temperature, water levels, and turbidity. Lake chub occupy cool, clear water, spawn in stream or lake margins, and are obligatory sight feeders. Water temperatures affect developmental rates and likely influence spawning timing. Shifting flow regimes (including low flows and flood frequency/magnitudes), drought conditions, and warming temperatures could affect rearing success and adult survival, particularly for fragmented or isolated populations. In addition, sedimentation post-wildfire could affect water turbidity and affect foraging success.

Confidence: Low

Exposure to climate change

Moderate

  • Increased water temperatures
  • Altered flow regimes
  • Increased sedimentation
Confidence: Moderate

Conservation
This species is identified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) under the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). SGCN-classified species include both those with and without legal protection status under the Federal or State Endangered Species programs, as well as game species with low populations. The WDFW SWAP is part of a nationwide effort by all 50 states and five U.S. territories to develop conservation action plans for fish, wildlife and their natural habitats—identifying opportunities for species' recovery before they are imperiled and more limited.
This species is identified as a Priority Species under WDFW's Priority Habitat and Species Program. Priority species require protective measures for their survival due to their population status, sensitivity to habitat alteration, and/or recreational, commercial, or tribal importance. The PHS program is the agency's main means of sharing fish and wildlife information with local governments, landowners, and others who use it to protect priority habitats for land use planning.