The Fish in the Forest: Salmon and the Web of Life

by Dale Stokes

The Fish in the Forest is an elegantly written, beautifully illustrated exploration of the complex web of relationships between the salmon of the Pacific Northwest and the surrounding ecosystem. Dale Stokes shows how nearly all aspects of this fragile ecosystem―from streambeds to treetops, from sea urchins to orcas to bears, from rain forests to kelp forests―are intimately linked with the biology of the Pacific salmon. Illustrated with 70 stunning color photographs by Doc White, The Fish in the Forest demonstrates how the cycling of nutrients between the ocean and the land, mediated by the life and death of the salmon, is not only key to understanding the landscape of the north Pacific coast, but is also a powerful metaphor for all of life on earth.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature

172 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book taught me a lot about the salmon species and the importance of keystone species in general. Prior to this book, all I know about the salmon's connection with the ecosystem is that it provides a source of food to humans!? Now I realize that salmon play an important part in the lives of other species too. They are prey to bigger fish, birds, and bears. And when they decompose, they give back to the soil and help grow a variety of plant species.
A fascinating book about the life cycle of a salmon, and a much-needed lesson on protecting biodiversity.

[Daniel Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is actually quite good. The author discusses the evolution, distribution, life history, ecological role, and cultural role of a salmon, with a very clear style, plenty of photos, and a powerful ending reflecting on the need for humans to sacrifice and conserve the natural world.

[John Kaufmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative, interesting, and readable book about the life cycle of salmon and the role it plays in the ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest. I learned the main varieties and their characteristics, how they morph during the spawning cycle, how they return to the stream where they were hatched (akin to imprinting in certain kinds of birds), who the main predators are, and how they feed the ecosystem of which they are a part.

[Michele]

Recommended by Pete Schroeder