Headwaters Important for Salmon Health

Headwater streams can be overlooked when it comes to salmon conservation and management, but is this the right approach? The Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve wanted to contribute scientific information to help answer this question.

The ensuing research showed how young salmon use the different types of headwater habitats at different life stages, as well as how some tree species are important drivers of stream productivity. This research is helping Alaska design conservation efforts that best serve critical salmon habitat. (2016)

Partners: Baylor University, Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, University of South Florida