2010. Comparative estimate of P fluxes in lakes: A comment on ‘‘Fish decomposition in boreal lakes and biogeochemical implications’’ by Chidami and Amyot

The contribution of fish and their relative importance in the nutrient dynamics of lakes (sink vs. source) continue to be a topic of debate (Mehner et al. 2007; Wurtsbaugh 2007; Sereda et al. 2008b). Much of this debate is a result of the context under which fish are compared (Hudson et al. 1999; Wilhelm et al. 1999). Fish represent an internal regenerative pathway of nutrients and in turn should be compared with other internal pathways (i.e., internal loading from the sediments and planktonic regeneration). However, studies continue to conclude that the regeneration or recycling of nutrients from fish (through excretion or decomposition) are a significant source of phosphorus (P) by comparing fish with a single and often trivial supply route such as allochthonous inputs (Kitchell et al. 1975; Schaus et al. 1997; Schindler et al. 2001)