Land and Forest Iceland
Benefits of restoring terrestrial ecosystems to freshwater life
13th May 2024
Restoration of terrestrial ecosystems has a positive impact on freshwater life, for example salmon fish populations in Icelandic rivers, which Icelanders are responsible for protecting and promoting.
Jóhann Helgi Stefánsson, expert at Land and Forest Iceland, wrote an article on this topic in the Agricultural Paper Bændablaðið on 24 April. In the article, he describes how landowners and angling associations can improve the health of river systems under their management by using methods of ecosystem restoration.
In the article, Jóhann Helgi focuses on how restoration efforts on land can benefit trout and salmon in freshwater ecosystems. He writes:
“Restoration of terrestrial ecosystems leads to increased nutrient circulation in the area, as strong and dynamic dryland ecosystems result in stronger adjacent freshwater ecosystems and more secure food supply for trout and salmon in different life stages. Restoration of wetlands also leads to the expansion of freshwater ecosystems. Wetlands provide a variety of habitats, both providing shelter and nutrition for freshwater ecosystems.”