Spatial and temporal distribution of coho salmon carcasses in a stream in the Pacific Northwest, USA

During two consecutive spawning seasons, the movement and distribution of naturally occurring coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) carcasses were monitored, and the effectiveness of large woody debris (LWD) in retaining carcasses in a stream was evaluated. In both seasons studied, the proportion of ca...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Hydrobiologia 2005-05, Vol.539 (1), p.163-166
Main Authors: MINAKAWA, Noboru, GARA, Robert I
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal and plant ecology
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Backwaters
Biological and medical sciences
Endangered & extinct species
Fish
Fresh water ecosystems
Freshwater
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
General aspects
Nutrient availability
Oncorhynchus kisutch
Salmon
Seasons
Spawning
Spawning grounds
Synecology
Temporal distribution
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Summary:During two consecutive spawning seasons, the movement and distribution of naturally occurring coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) carcasses were monitored, and the effectiveness of large woody debris (LWD) in retaining carcasses in a stream was evaluated. In both seasons studied, the proportion of carcasses trapped by LWD increased as the season progressed. Densities of salmon carcasses were higher in slow waters such as stream edges and backwaters throughout the study periods. The average distance drifted by carcasses was 19.5m in the first season and 32.1 m in the second season. These results support the notion that LWD contributes to retention of salmon carcasses and enhances availability of salmon-derived nutrients for organisms near salmon spawning grounds.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:0018-8158
1573-5117
DOI:10.1007/s10750-004-3367-8