Fewer forests less fish

A new study suggests that aquatic ecosystems are sustained by the inputs from surrounding forests and that disturbances that change these inputs can affect how aquatic ecosystems function. With other words, forest cover around rivers and lakes determine how healthy the fish found in these waters are. 

Researchers found that the amount of food available from surrounding forests affected the size and lifespan of young fish. Results indicate that organic matter export increases from more forested catchments, enhancing bacterial biomass which in turn transfers to the young fish.  Approximately 34% of fish biomass is supported by terrestrial primary production, increasing to 66% with greater forest cover. 

Hence, watershed protection and restoration increase biomass in critical life-stages of fish. On the other hand, deforestation reduces the amount of leaf litter falling into rivers and lakes thus resulting in less food for fish.

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Read statements from the authors in BBC article