Seeing climate change in bugs and salmon

There are many ways to measure climate change. In northeast Oregon, scientists are using tiny bugs and salmon to better understand our planet's shifting climate. Read the full story.

Climate map on computer screen and scientist

Want to learn more about this topic? Explore more resources from OSU Extension: Climate Change, Fish and Aquatic Life, Riparian Areas

Was this page helpful?

Related Content from OSU Extension

Out of control algae

In the summer time, water temperatures rise and the sun shines bright, helping create ideal conditions for excess algae growth in farm ponds. Aquatic plants, including algae are important to a pond’s ecosystem, but it is easy...

Melissa Fery | Mar 2009 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Community scientists track climate change, blaze new paths of communication

Oregon Season Tracker aims to broaden discussion and understanding about climate science.

Brad Withrow-Robinson | Apr 2021 | Impact story

Episode 31: Master Woodland Managers

In this episode, Lauren Grand invites Susan Watkins, Brett Aldrich, and Tiffany Hopkins on the podcast to discuss the value of participating in the FNR Extension's Master Woodland Manager program.

Lauren Grand, Susan Watkins, Brett Aldrich, Tiffany Hopkins | Mar 2023 | Podcast episode

OSU Extension research gives wine grape growers in Umatilla County hope for adjusting to changing climate

A pilot study for using kaolin clay on wine grapes to reduce heat stress and sunburn in the Walla Walla Valley found that using kaolin produced greater yields and fruit quality compared to the control plot, where kaolin wasn’t applied.

Mar 2023 | Impact story

Guide to Oregon Fisheries

A short guide to the commonly caught commercial seafood species in Oregon. Includes information on management, season, habitat and life history, fishing gear used to catch it, pounds landed and value of the fishery, and fun facts for 12 of the major fisheries in Oregon.

Jamie Doyle, Amanda Gladics | May 2020 | Fact Sheet

Living on the Land: Got a Stream? Grow Plants!

This publication is part of the Living on the Land series. It provides concise information on how to best protect your stream areas with native vegetation and grazing strategies that help wildlife and property values. Primarily ...

Brian Tuck | Oct 2014 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Climate change anomaly intensifies Swiss needle cast in some Douglas-fir forests

The fungal disease reacts favorably to the wet, foggy environment on the west slope of the Oregon Coast Range.

Kym Pokorny | Dec 18, 2018 | News story

Amazon mangrove forest stores twice as much carbon per acre as region’s famous rainforest

Scientists have determined for the first time that Amazon’s waterlogged coastal mangrove forests, which are being clear cut for cattle pastures and shrimp ponds, store significantly more carbon per acre than the region’s famous rainforest.

Chris Branam | Sep 24, 2018 | News story

NSF awards $1.8 million to OSU-Utah collaboration to estimate U.S. plant transpiration

With a $1.8 million from the National Science Foundation, scientists at Oregon State University and the University of Utah are teaming up to make initial estimates of U.S. plant transpiration.

Chris Branam | Aug 29, 2018 | News story

New ‘droughty’ soils model for Pacific Northwest could aid forest health in changing climate

Scientists have developed a new approach to modeling potentially drought-prone soils in Pacific Northwest forests, which could aid natural resource managers to prepare forested landscapes for a changing climate.

Chris Branam | Aug 16, 2018 | News story

A view from above and below: Hatchery chinook salmon are self-sorting in tanks

Hatchery-raised chinook salmon sort themselves into surface- and bottom-oriented groups in their rearing tanks. This behavior might be due in part to the fish’s genes, according to an OSU study.

Chris Branam | Feb 7, 2018 | News story

New evidence of two subspecies of American pikas in Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park provides habitat for not one, but two subspecies of the American pika, a species thought to be closely connected with climate change, according to a new study.

Chris Branam | Jul 11, 2018 | News story

Economic analysis provides watershed moment for environmental groups

Economists have found that in the United States, watershed groups have had a positive impact on their local water quality.

Chris Branam | Oct 11, 2018 | News story

How can I make a salamander habitat?

We have a small backyard pond, and salamanders have moved in. I’m looking for info on how to take care of their pond so they can thrive. Can I add water from my garden hose? Is there a type of food that I can provide for them?

Rachel Werling | Mar 2022 | Featured question

Are Asian carp on the way to our waterways?

We would like to understand why the Asian Carp is an invasive species. Does the Asian Carp otherwise known as the Silver Carp cause native Oregon species to be placed on the close to extinct list? What would be Oregon's worst catastrophe of having the Asian Carp in our waterways?

Samuel Chan | Nov 2017 | Featured question

Streamside Gardening

Your streamside is part of a larger system of plants and animals that live near and within the stream itself.

Jul 2018 | Collection

Episode 28: Christmas Trees

In this episode, Jacob Putney and Chal Landgren discuss the history and science behind growing Christmas trees in Oregon. Landgren is the former OSU Extension Christmas Tree Specialist.

Jacob Putney, Chal Landgren | Dec 2022 | Podcast episode

Situation Analysis for Oregon’s Emergent Seaweed Aquaculture Industry

This report is a comprehensive analysis of the seaweed industry in Oregon and the emerging possiblities for the local economoy and environment.

Feb 2023 | OSU Sea Grant Publication Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Have a question? Ask Extension!

Ask Extension is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.

Ask us a question