What ecological correlation directly influences the stress level on the salmon shark population aside from fishing mortality?
Answer
Health and availability of Pacific salmon runs
The interconnectedness of the ecosystem plays a significant role in the salmon shark population dynamics. The health and abundance of Pacific salmon runs directly influence the shark population because salmon constitute a primary food source. A sustained decline in these keystone prey species creates ecological stress for the apex predator, independent of any direct fishing pressure placed upon the sharks themselves. Conversely, effective conservation policies aimed at stabilizing salmon populations indirectly support the stability of the salmon shark food base.
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