Food for fish, food for thought: managing the invisible components of streams.

Abstract

Over the years, scientists have published many results from studies about the importance of habitat such as woody debris for supporting fish populations. They also have learned much about the ways in which land management activities can enhance or degrade such habitat. They know much less, however, about the food half of this foo-and-shelter equation.

In the nutrient-poor streams of Alaska, the mystery of how those streams are so productive of salmon is beginning to be solved by investigating the nutritional links between organisms and among ecosystems—many of which are nearly invisible. Crucial roles seemingly are played by fishless headwater streams, riparian vegetation along fish-bearing streams, and nutrients delivered from the ocean from salmon for stream productivity in Alaska. The unseen connections of this vastly dispersed food web has significant implications for management and restoration activities that managers are beginning to recognize.

Citation

Duncan, Sally. 2001. Food for fish, food for thought: managing the invisible components of streams. Science Findings. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. March (32): 1-5