Researchers at Simon Fraser University (SFU) in British Columbia, Canada found that the number of Pacific Salmon in a spawning stream affects the plant variation and general well-being of adjacent forests.
The scientists discovered that larger populations of the fish lead to more nitrogen-rich flora near the stream.
The study was co-authored by Dr. Morgan Hocking, and Dr. John D. Reynolds,the Tom Buell BC Leadership Chair in Salmon Conservation at SFU and published in the journal Science.
The scientists stated that predicting how salmon influence territorial ecosystems would be essential in formulating conservation plans and techniques for managing habitat.
Our thankfulness, Dr. Morgan Hocking and Dr. John D. Reynolds, for this significant discovery. May it lead to better protection of a healthy ecosystem for all species.
http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-03-links-forest-health-salmon-populations.html http://www.sciencemag.org/content/331/6024/1609.abstract http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12849019 http://www.sfu.ca/biology/faculty/reynolds/The_Reynolds_Lab/Home.htmlhttp://www.sfu.ca/biology/faculty/reynolds/The_Reynolds_Lab/Morgan_Hocking.html