for National Geographic News
Two recently published books combine photographs and narrative to illustrate the beauty of America's salmon rivers and to outline the challenges to saving them.
Saving the Ducktrap
To Save a River tells the story of Maine's Ducktrap River, one of only eight remaining salmon rivers in the eastern United States. The Ducktrap Coalition formed in 1995 to protect the land around the river. Today, 26 organizations belong to the consortium, ranging from conservation groups to government agencies.
The stunning black-and-white photographs of environmental photographer Dennis Shultz capture the Ducktrap River in every season, revealing the beauty of the region from a wide variety of perspectives. A compelling narrative detailing the coalition's efforts and the powerful rationale behind its commitment to saving the Ducktrap River has been written by Scott Dickerson, executive director of Coastal Mountain Land Trust. The trust coordinates the coalition's work.
Last Great Salmon Fishery
Rivers of Life: Southwest Alaska, The Last Great Salmon Fishery focuses on the spawning grounds of the world's largest population of sockeye salmon. Conservationist and photographer Robert Glenn Ketchum and contributing photographer Greg A. Syverson tell the story of the region in color photographs displaying the beauty and grandeur of the region, from tight shots of silvery smolts to long views of the expansive wilderness.
Wildlife biologist Bruce Hampton carefully reconstructs the history of salmon, beginning 50 million years ago when salmon first evolved. He also explores the darker side of the salmon storythe politics involved in the establishment and growth of the salmon industry, and the uphill battle being waged to save the declining salmon population.
Visit the photo gallery to see some of these stunning photographs.
To Save a River Photographs by Dennis C. Shultz Narrative by Scott Dickerson Preface by Steven Katona 2002
Rivers of Life: Southwest Alaska, The Last Great Salmon Fishery Photographs by Robert Glenn Ketchum Essay by Bruce Hampton 2001
Both books were published by the Aperture Foundation.