The Fish in the Forest

September 15, 2014

Stokes (Scripps Inst. of Oceanography, Univ. of California San Diego) and White (natural history photographer) cover the evolution of fish and the life cycle of salmon and how salmon and predators interrelate. The idea that these fish are in the tops of trees seems impossible, but Stokes builds his argument carefully, explaining that elements of their bodies get there through the creature's status as a keystone species. Orca, sea lions, and man feed on the adult fish in the ocean; bears and wolves feed on salmon on the fish's upstream swim; crows, eagles, and coyotes eat the fish after spawning or consume carcasses left by other predators. Nutrients from salmon are spread by their waste matter as well as by the animals that eat them. This work is not an easy read, however, it clearly explains why salmon are important to the ecology of the Pacific Northwest and why the habitats should be protected to keep the species healthy and prolific. White's beautiful photos are scattered throughout, although only about half of the pages of images have captions. VERDICT Ideal for readers who are concerned with understanding the environment on a deeper level and as a tool with which to inform decision makers. While not as approachable as Peter Coates's Salmon, this title's science is stronger.--Jean E. Crampon, Univ. of Southern California, Los Angeles, Lib.

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2014
The health and vitality of the Pacific Northwest forest ecosystem depends on the vigor of seven species of salmon, according to Scripps Institute oceanographer Stokes. Opportunistic bears, wolves, and eagles are not the only beneficiaries from the annual salmon runs, during which the fish swim upstream to spawn and die. The region's forest and all of its residents are enriched by the tremendous load of nutrients and minerals that the salmon bring up from the ocean to the land when they return. Noting that insects, wildflowers, and trees are more plentiful near healthy salmon streams than along streams whose fisheries have been depleted by environmental disturbances or industrial fishing, the author seeks readers' support in protecting the salmon, which are revered by the region's Native tribes. Aimed at the general public, this natural-history and environmental essay is a fairly quick read and a good addition to science collections at public libraries.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)