Pacific salmon and the ecology of coastal ecosystems. Issue 1 (1st February 2003)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schindler, Daniel E.; Scheuerell, Mark D.; Moore, Jonathan W.; Gende, Scott M.; Francis, Tessa B.; Palen, Wendy J.
• Is Part Of: Frontiers in ecology and the environment. Volume 1:Issue 1(2003)
• Page Start: 31
• Page End: 37
• Publication Date: 2003-02-01
• Subjects: Ecology -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Ecology; Environmental sciences; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1890/1540-9295(2003)001[0031:PSATEO]2.0.CO;2
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1540-9295

Abstract

Abstract : One of the most spectacular phenomena in nature is the annual return of millions of salmon to spawn in their natal streams and lakes along the Pacific coast of North America. The salmon die after spawning, and the nutrients and energy in their bodies, derived almost entirely from marine sources, are deposited in the freshwater ecosystems. This represents a vital input to the ecosystems used as spawning grounds. Salmon‐derived nutrients make up a substantial fraction of the plants and animals in aquatic and terrestrial habitats associated with healthy salmon populations. The decline of salmon numbers throughout much of their southern range in North America has prompted concern that the elimination of this "conveyor belt" of nutrients and energy may fundamentally change the productivity of these coastal freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems, and consequently their ability to support wildlife, including salmon. If progress is to be made towards understanding and conserving the connection between migratory salmon and coastal ecosystems, scientists and decision‐makers must explore and understand the vast temporal and spatial scales that characterize this relationship.