painted turtle populations is affected by air temperature;  more females are born when conditions are warmer.

Also, warmer water might allow sea lampreys to thrive and cold-water fish to be driven out of their habitats by

warm-water fish.  In addition, warmer temperatures have been known to prompt some species to mate or migrate

early.  In the case of the latter, an animal could arrive at its destination before its food source is available.

Restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption.  No specific research has been performed regarding the effect

of climate change.

Tainting of fish and wildlife flavor.  No specific research has been performed regarding the effect of climate

change.

Clearly, there are knowledge gaps that need to be filled.

Summary of Discussion following Presentations

The white paper should include information about the link between climate change and greenhouse (GHG)

emissions.  Omission would undermine the importance of GHG mitigation efforts and deprive readers of a full

understanding of climate change issues.  The linkage between GHGs and temperature change should be men-

tioned, but it would be unwise to engage in a lengthy debate on the topic.  The conclusions of the Intergovern-

mental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the National Academy of Science on this topic should be cited.  Be

clear that Canada and the United States are actively involved in GHG reduction efforts.

The white paper should incorporate recently published information on observed changes in summer wind field

patterns across Green Bay.  The changes will impact resuspension, sediment transport, and sediment burial rates.

This could impact how long it takes for contaminants to be buried and could have ecological, human health, and

water quality effects.

Although the white paper acknowledges that there will be winners and losers, it should provide more examples

of the positive benefits of climate change.

Species may be able to better adapt to a changing climate if the changes occur gradually rather than abruptly.

The white paper should include information on the significance of the speed and magnitude of change on a

species’ ability to adapt.  More research needs to be performed on how adaptable humans and ecological

systems are to the rate of change.

The white paper should discuss the potential cumulative effects of climate change.  Some effects may be

additive;  others will cancel out.  The combined effect of lower water levels, increased periods of stratification,

and changes in precipitation regimes could cause serious anoxia problems.

The white paper should provide more information about how an “ecosystem approach” to management will

translate to action.

The white paper should examine the potential impact of rising temperatures on contaminant volatilization.

Volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) that currently contaminate the Great Lakes could volatilize at an increased

rate, leading to negative impacts on northern communities, since VOCs may simply be redeposited in colder

waters.

The white paper should acknowledge that surprises are to be expected.  Climate change will lead to effects that

no one has anticipated yet.

There is a need to differentiate between physical habitat (the substrate) and overlying water.  Much more

research needs to be performed on the nearshore zone.

Uncertainty is a fact of life and should not be an excuse for paralysis of action.  The IPCC reports might

have some useful discussions to draw upon regarding the issue of uncertainty.  It is time to take action on climate

change issues - “the perfect is the enemy of the good, so let’s get on with it.”

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