My journal by Zach Ader

2. Alevin Stage

aderzach — 2024-10-17 15:38:58 UTC

Alevins hatch from eggs and remain in the gravel.
Benefit: They feed on their yolk sacs and help keep stream ecosystems healthy.

1. Egg Stage

aderzach — 2024-10-17 15:39:24 UTC

Salmon lay eggs in freshwater streams.
Benefit: Eggs provide nutrients for river ecosystems.

3. Fry Stage

aderzach — 2024-10-17 15:45:12 UTC

Fry begin to swim and feed on small insects.
Benefit: They contribute to the food web by becoming food for larger fish.

4. Smolt Stage

aderzach — 2024-10-17 15:47:25 UTC

Smolts adapt to saltwater and migrate to the ocean.
Benefit: This stage helps balance nutrient cycles in both river and ocean ecosystems.

5. Adult Stage

aderzach — 2024-10-17 15:48:08 UTC

Adults grow in the ocean, where they feed on smaller fish and plankton.
Benefit: They play a crucial role in the ocean's food web and help control prey populations.

6. Spawning Stage

aderzach — 2024-10-17 15:49:04 UTC

Adults return to freshwater to spawn.
Benefit: Their decaying bodies enrich the river ecosystem with nutrients, supporting other wildlife.

Ecosystem Benifits

aderzach — 2024-10-17 15:49:49 UTC

Ocean Ecosystem
Salmon provide food for larger marine animals, like bears and eagles, and help maintain a balanced ecosystem by controlling prey populations.
Freshwater River Ecosystem
Salmon contribute nutrients to the river, which supports plant growth and helps sustain various species, including insects and other fish.