Forests play a crucial role in supporting salmon habitats, providing essential services like water filtration, temperature regulation, and habitat structure. Healthy riparian zones, the forested areas along rivers and streams, protect water quality and offer shade that keeps water cool for salmon. However, forestry practices, especially logging near water bodies, can significantly disrupt these delicate ecosystems. Changes in stream flow, increased water temperatures, and habitat loss can all jeopardize salmon populations, which are vital to local ecosystems, wildlife, and economies.

Dr. Jonathan Moore, a professor at Simon Fraser University and leader of the Salmon Watersheds Lab, has dedicated his research to understanding the complex relationship between forestry, climate change, and salmon habitats. Along with graduate researcher Christian Carson, he focuses on how riparian zones influence water quality and salmon survival.

In today’s episode, we explore how forestry impacts salmon habitats, the importance of riparian zones, and strategies for balancing economic needs with ecological health.