OAR 635-900-0015: Climate and Ocean Change Key Principles for Science

(1) The Department should ensure that it is monitoring the appropriate metrics to document the changing climate and ocean conditions (e.g., flow, temperature, dissolved oxygen, ocean pH) and the impacts of those changes on fish, wildlife, and their habitats (e.g., distribution, survival, disease). (2) The Department should use appropriate analytic approaches to determine how species, biological communities, and habitats may respond to the changes in climate and ocean conditions on a time horizon that is relevant to a specific species’ life history. (3) The Department should conduct ongoing research to reduce key uncertainties related to the response of fish, wildlife, or their habitats to climate and ocean change. (4) The Department should communicate clearly about the uncertainty involved in predicting both the likely changes in climate and ocean conditions and the impacts on fish and wildlife to allow decision makers to take action in an informed way. (5) The Department should consider modifying the timing and location of research and monitoring during periods of adverse environmental conditions that are stressful to individuals. Handling of live animals should balance the benefits of the research and monitoring against the additional impacts to the animal, as well as risks to the population.