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Caption: This chart shows floating weekly maximum temperatures in the lower West Branch Sheepscot River at river kilometer 0.54 for the year 2001. The data indicated that from June to mid-September this reach was likely not suitable for Atlantic salmon rearing. Maximum daily water temperatures approached lethal (29.8 C), averages met exceeded stressful for juveniles (> 22.5 C) for long periods and minimums failed to drop back into optimal ranges on many days (< 19 C). Seasonal fluctuation was 16.9 C C between June and September with a maximum 11.1 C nocturnal/diurnal difference. 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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