Book Description

Few subjects have generated as much emotional dialogue around conflicting scientific and policy agendas as the protection and management of Pacific salmon resources. In this major new work, esteemed fisheries expert Thomas Quinn distills from the vast scientific literature the essential information on the behavior and ecology of Pacific salmon, including steelhead and cutthroat trout. Unlike other books that examine only selected life stages, habitats, or species, this book--richly illustrated with beautiful photographs and original drawings--thoroughly covers the complete life cycle, emphasizing common themes and differences among the various species of salmon. Representing the range of species and geographic regions, Quinn includes examples from classic studies by pioneers of salmon biology and from the most current research to illustrate the important features of salmon life history and behavior and the complex physical, biological, and human factors that affect them. The Behavior and Ecology of Pacific Salmon and Trout introduces salmon and trout as a group, with a brief description of each species, and compares them to other fishes. The book then follows salmon on their amazing homeward migration from the open ocean, through the complex coastal waters, and upstream to the precise location where they were spawned years earlier. It explains the patterns of mate choice, the competition for nest sites, and the fate of the salmon after their death. It describes the lives of offspring during the months they spend incubating in gravel, growing in fresh water, and migrating out to sea to mature. Quinn emphasizes the importance of salmon to humans and to natural ecosystems and the need to integrate sound biology into conservation efforts. This thorough, up-to-date survey should be on the shelf of anyone with a professional or personal interest in Pacific salmon and trout. Written in a technically accurate but engaging style, it will appeal to a wide range of readers, including students, anglers, biologists, conservationists, legislators, and armchair naturalists.