Invasive Mussel Colonization and Composition in Lake Michigan
Mentor 1
Dr. Russell Cuhel
Location
Union Wisconsin Room
Start Date
5-4-2019 1:30 PM
End Date
5-4-2019 3:30 PM
Description
Biological invasive species are one of the main issues that both freshwater and marine ecosystems face. There have been 79 known invasive species in Lake Michigan that have established reproductive populations. Of these species, the most infamous and detrimental invasion was that of the zebra and quagga mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and Dreissena bugensi). These species are natives of the Caspian Sea and were introduced to Lake Michigan via transoceanic trade ships around 1989. First, the zebra mussels made headlines since they thrived in near shore and rocky environments. This caused beaches and shallow areas to be completely colonized and proved to not only affect people but also phytoplankton availability in the water column. In 2002 quagga mussels were observed in deep water and nearshore environments; virtually wiping out zebra mussels and eventually colonizing the majority of Lake Michigan’s benthic environment. Through the benthification of Lake Michigan caused by both dreissenid species, the composition of the ecosystem has moved from a eutrophic to an oligotrophic environment. This transformation is a fisherman’s nightmare and a diver’s paradise. By analyzing dreissena colonies from different areas of the lake, trends have been established pertaining to their growth patterns and chemical composition (via CHN analysis). The relationships between size frequency and distribution and components such as mussel length and composition help to understand the direct impacts that these invaders have had on the nutrient availability and trophic interactions in Lake Michigan.
Invasive Mussel Colonization and Composition in Lake Michigan
Union Wisconsin Room
Biological invasive species are one of the main issues that both freshwater and marine ecosystems face. There have been 79 known invasive species in Lake Michigan that have established reproductive populations. Of these species, the most infamous and detrimental invasion was that of the zebra and quagga mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and Dreissena bugensi). These species are natives of the Caspian Sea and were introduced to Lake Michigan via transoceanic trade ships around 1989. First, the zebra mussels made headlines since they thrived in near shore and rocky environments. This caused beaches and shallow areas to be completely colonized and proved to not only affect people but also phytoplankton availability in the water column. In 2002 quagga mussels were observed in deep water and nearshore environments; virtually wiping out zebra mussels and eventually colonizing the majority of Lake Michigan’s benthic environment. Through the benthification of Lake Michigan caused by both dreissenid species, the composition of the ecosystem has moved from a eutrophic to an oligotrophic environment. This transformation is a fisherman’s nightmare and a diver’s paradise. By analyzing dreissena colonies from different areas of the lake, trends have been established pertaining to their growth patterns and chemical composition (via CHN analysis). The relationships between size frequency and distribution and components such as mussel length and composition help to understand the direct impacts that these invaders have had on the nutrient availability and trophic interactions in Lake Michigan.
