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Caption: This chart shows floating weekly maximum temperatures in the lower Sheepscot River above Head Tide (river kilometer 10.35) for the year 2001. The data indicate that water temperatures were sufficiently warm that the habitat was likely unusable for Atlantic salmon juveniles and adults in July and August. The absolute maximum reached 32.1 C, which is likely to be lethal to juvenile and adult Atlantic salmon. Temperatures often exceeded 30 C between June 27 and August 22. At the same time daily averages usually exceeded 22.5 C and minimum temperatures stayed above optimal for weeks. Elliott (1991) found that juvenile Atlantic Salmon stop feeding when temperatures exceed 22.5 C. Temperature data are from the Maine Atlantic Salmon Commission. See Info Links for more background information.
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