Science

The Science Team works to bring the best available data and knowledge to TU's efforts to conserve coldwater fisheries and their habitats.  We work to expand and apply the Conservation Success Index while addressing other high priority concerns such as climate change, impacts of energy development, restoration of degraded habitats and populations, and control of aquatic nuisance species.

»Learn more about our Science Team

The Conservation Success Index
We are often asked whether our projects have succeeded in improving the status of our native coldwater fishes, and the rate of this improvement.  Trout Unlimited has developed the Conservation Success Index (CSI) as a tool to answer these questions and to establish conservation priorities.  The CSI integrates data from state and federal trout population assessments with habitat and threat data collected by our staff scientists to create a common analytical framework applicable to all native coldwater salmonids.
»The Conservation Success Index

Impacts of Climate Change on Trout and Salmon
Researched and written by Trout Unlimited scientists, Healing Troubled Waters represents TU's work to date on how trout and salmon will fare in the wake of climate change. Through computer modeling, the report offers maps detailing where climate change will have the greatest impact. The report offers opportunities for restoring and protecting areas that will be most affected by climate change and it offers concrete actions that can be taken to help these fish build resilience to climate change.
»Healing Troubled Waters report summary

Aquatic Nuisance Species
The introduction of non-native species ranks second only to the loss of  habitat as a threat to our native fish, wildlife and plant populations.  Many species have been introduced into North American aquatic ecosystems accidentally and intentionally, with devastating results.  In some areas of the west, such as Arizona, non-native fish populations outnumber those of natives.  TU’s guide to aquatic nuisance species highlights the most prevalent organisms threatening our freshwater fisheries, how they got here and what can be done to mitigate their effects.
»Aquatic Nuisance Species information