The Effect of Salmon Carcasses on Alaskan Freshwaters
- Authors: T.C. Kline, J.J. Goering, and R.J. Piorkowski
- Pub. no.: RP-97-01
- Year: 1997
- No. pages: 26
- Price: Single copies free
Description
This chapter reviews a new research approach using the natural abundance of stable isotopes to study the fertilization effects of Pacific salmon on freshwater habitats. Use of decomposing salmon as food by a wide range of aquatic invertebrates is important for retaining marine nutrients in flowing water systems. In addition, in salmon spawning streams the increased nutrient levels bring about increased numbers of invertebrates--both in taxonomic groups and functional groups (e.g. filter feeders, predators). Freshwaters of Alaska: Ecological Syntheses. Ecological Studies 119:179-204, chapter 7, 1997.
