Environmental Science
How Salmon Carcass Decomposition Fertilizes Riparian Forests
Quick fact
Scientists can trace salmon-derived nitrogen and phosphorus in the leaves and wood of trees growing hundreds of meters from spawning streams, proving that ocean nutrients support forest growth in coastal ecosystems.
Why this is interesting
Every year, thousands of salmon die in the same streams where they were born. What happens to their bodies turns out to feed the surrounding forest in a surprising way.