Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

CS16 Invasive Species: Benthic and Pelagic Organisms

Date: Friday, February 16, 2001, Time: 9:30:00 AM

Location: Dona Ana

Carter, R, L, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green , USA, rcarter@bgnet.bgsu.edu

Lowe, R, L, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green , USA, rlowe@umich.edu

THE INCREASE IN LITTORAL ZONE BENTHIC ALGAL BIOMASS IN NORTHEASTERN LAKE MICHIGAN CONCURRENT WITH INVASION BY DREISSENA POLYMORPHA

This study demonstrates an increase in littoral benthic algal biomass concurrent with the invasion of the Sleeping Bear Sand Dune National Lakeshore region of northeastern Lake Michigan by zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha). The effect invading exotic species have on Great Lakes ecosystem structure and function is a pressing concern. Zebra mussels have been shown to significantly impact the energy dynamics of systems they invade, shifting primary productivity toward the benthos. Zebra mussels invaded the littoral zone of northeastern Lake Michigan in 1992. A comparison of benthic samples gathered in the summers of 1999 and 2000 with pre-zebra mussel sampling data and underwater footage shows a substantial increase in benthic alagl biomass concurrent with zebra mussel proliferation. Zebra mussels now cover nearly 100% of the rocky substrate in this region. A dense 10-15 cm thick lawn of the filamentous green alga, Cladophora glomerata, now blankets the near shore littoral regions shallower than 10 m where zebra mussels are present. Significant increases in the population of isopods and amphipods have accompanied the development of this new littoral community.

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Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

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