A recent study paints a difficult future for fish in the Verde River if current conditions continue unchanged.
“New research by University of Washington and Ohio State University scientists suggests that, by 2050, the Verde River Basin in Arizona will have up to one-fifth more streams dry up each season and at least a quarter more days with no water flow, a problem when fish are trying to reach spawning habitats and refuges where water still remains,” reported Sandra Hines with the University of Washington, in announcing the findings.
The drying up of streams will make it harder for fish to reproduce, according to the study, which was published last month.
The study cites “hydrologic connectivity” — the ability of fish to take advantage of flowing streams to reproduce.
With more streams in the watershed drying out, that ability could diminish, according to the study.
To read the full story, see the Wednesday, Sept. 10, edition of The Camp Verde Journal.
