Evaluating the consequences of salmon nutrients for riparian organisms: Linking condition metrics to stable isotopes.

ABSTRACT: Stable isotope ratios (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) have been used extensively to trace nutrients from Pacific salmon, but salmon transfer more than carbon and nitrogen to stream ecosystems, such as phosphorus, minerals, proteins, and lipids. To examine the importance of these nutrients, metrics other than isotopes need to be considered, particularly when so few studies have made direct links between these nutrients and how they affect riparian organisms. Our study specifically examined δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N of riparian organisms from salmon and non-salmon streams in Idaho, USA, at different distances from the streams, and examined whether the quality of riparian plants and the body condition of invertebrates varied with access to these nutrients. Overall, quality and

SUBMITTER: Vizza C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5330886 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature