Publication Abstract

Proactive responses to human impacts that balance developments and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) conservation: an integrative model

Proactive responses to human impactsthat balance developments and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) conservation: anintegrative model

M.A. Wiltzbach, M.E. Mather, A. Moore, C.L. Folt, R.J. Naiman, A.F. Youngson and J.McMenemy

Incorporating human impacts intoconservation plans is crucial to protect natural resources. Using a model that examineshow anthropogenic changes might be proactively influenced to promote conservation, it isargued that denser human population does not spell inevitable doom for Atlantic salmon (Salmosalar). Humans affect the Atlantic salmon ecosystem deleteriously through landscapealteration, exploitation, external inputs, and resource competition. An intact ecosystemprovides positive feedback to society by providing food, ecosystem services, and improvingthe quality of life. As Atlantic salmon and associated ecosystem benefits are increasinglyvalued by society, policies, laws, and regulations that protect salmon populations andhabitats are codified into a control system or institutional infrastructure. Via researchthat helps maintain wild salmon populations and in informing the public about benefits ofa healthy Atlantic salmon ecosystem, scientists can influence public atitiudes andfacilitate the implementation of environmental policies that moderate harmfulanthropogenic changes. Because exchange among scientists is of paramount importance inincreasing the understanding of important interrelationships between humans and fish, theestablishment of an international salmon organization for research is recommended.

Reference:

M.A. Wiltzbach, M.E. Mather, A. Moore, C.L. Folt, R.J. Naiman, A.F. Youngson and J.McMenemy, 1999. Proactive responses to human impacts that balance developments andAtlantic salmon (Salmo salar) conservation: an integrative model. Canadian Journal ofFisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 55(1): 288-302.

M.A. Wiltzbach, M.E. Mather, A. Moore*, C.L. Folt, R.J. Naiman, A.F. Youngson and J. McMenemy

Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 55(1): 288-302