Large-Scale Risk Assessment of Acid Rain Impacts on Fisheries: Models and Lessons

Abstract

Lakes, streams, and their watersheds in large parts of the world have little ability to neutralize acidity associated with precipitation. Resource management agencies are concerned with the extent of these impacts including the loss/hazard to key fish species, and the likely status of these aquatic systems given alternate emission control scenarios. Two models designed to provide such a large-scale risk assessment are presented herein. The strengths and weaknesses are identified. Since models draw together the best of our theories, experimental, and survey data, these are compared with existing knowledge, theories, and data.