In the nutrient-poor streams of Alaska, the mystery of how those streams are so productive of salmon is beginning to be solved by investigating the nutritional links between organisms and among ecosystems—many of which are nearly invisible. Crucial roles seemingly are played by fishless headwater streams, riparian vegetation along fish-bearing streams, and nutrients delivered from the ocean from salmon for stream productivity in Alaska. The unseen connections of this vastly dispersed food web has significant implications for management and restoration activities that managers are beginning to recognize.

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