Juveline Salmon Utilization of Freshwater Tidal Ecosystems: an Essential Restoration Link?

Abstract

Simenstad will provide an overview of tidal freshwater ecosystems. These systems are complex and highly variable ecotones between fluvial and estuarine processes. They are particularly important in dynamic migration and rearing of juvenile Pacific salmon. Watershed and floodplain changes have modified that function, particularly relative to salmon life history diversity. Are habitat opportunity and capacity in the lower estuary extensively supplemented by tidal freshwater? Restoration strategies tend to discount potential role of freshwater tidal ecosystems, especially scrub-shrub and forested tidal wetlands and floodplains, in salmon recovery.