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The Expansion of Dreissena and Long-term Shifts in Benthic Macroinvertebrate Community Structure in Lake Ontario, 1998-2008
Citation:
LOZANO, S., K. M. BIRKET, J. V. SCHAROLD, AND J. M. WATKINS. The Expansion of Dreissena and Long-term Shifts in Benthic Macroinvertebrate Community Structure in Lake Ontario, 1998-2008. Presented at International Association for Great Lakes Research, Cornwall, ON, CANADA, May 13 - 17, 2012.
Impact/Purpose:
The introduction of Dreissena to the Great lakes has profoundly impacted benthic ecosystems, resulting in the decline of native species and dramatic community restructuring. In Lake Ontario, long-term monitoring has yielded a wealth of detailed information regarding both the expansion of Dreissena and the changes it has wrought on the benthos. From 1998 to 2008, the rapid proliferation of D. bugensis has been accompanied by an increase in the number of deposit feeders such as oligochaetes and chironomids, as well as marked decreases in populations of Diporeia, sphaerid clams, and gastropods. A significant decrease in benthic species richness has also been observed. Continued monitoring is necessary in order to fully understand the long-term repercussions of Dreissena's impact on native benthic fauna.
Description:
The introduction of Dreissena to the Great lakes has profoundly impacted benthic ecosystems, resulting in the decline of native species and dramatic community restructuring. In Lake Ontario, long-term monitoring has yielded a wealth of detailed information regarding both the expansion of Dreissena and the changes it has wrought on the benthos. From 1998 to 2008, the rapid proliferation of D. bugensis has been accompanied by an increase in the number of deposit feeders such as oligochaetes and chironomids, as well as marked decreases in populations of Diporeia, sphaerid clams, and gastropods. A significant decrease in benthic species richness has also been observed. Continued monitoring is necessary in order to fully understand the long-term repercussions of Dreissena's impact on native benthic fauna.