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Thomas F Nalepa - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Lake morphometry determines Dreissena invasion dynamics
Biological Invasions, 2021Co-Authors: Alexander Y Karatayev, L. E. Burlakova, Mark D Rowe, Knut Mehler, Vadim A. Karatayev, Ashley K. Elgin, Thomas F NalepaAbstract:Predicting the ecosystem effects of invasive species and the best control strategies requires understanding population dynamics and population regulation. Invasive bivalves zebra and quagga mussels ( Dreissena spp.) are considered the most aggressive invaders in freshwaters and have become major drivers of ecosystem processes in the Laurentian Great Lakes. Combining all lake-wide studies of Dreissena spp. conducted in the Great Lakes, we found that invasion dynamics are largely governed by lake morphometry. Where both species are present, quagga mussels generally become dominant in 8–13 years. Thereafter, zebra mussels remain common in shallow lakes and embayments and lake-wide Dreissena density may remain similar, while in deep lakes quagga led to a near-complete displacement of zebra mussels and an ensuing dramatic increase in overall dreissenid density. In deep lakes, overall Dreissena biomass peaked later and achieved ~ threefold higher levels than in shallow lakes. Comparison with 21 waterbodies in North America and Europe colonized by both dreissenids confirmed that patterns of invasion dynamics found in the Great Lakes are very consistent with other waterbodies, and thus can be generalized to other lakes. Our biophysical model predicted that the long-term reduction in primary producers by mussel grazing may be fourfold less in deep compared to shallow lakes due to thermal stratification and a smaller proportion of the epilimnion in contact with the bottom. While this impact remains greatest in shallow areas, we show that when lakes are vertically well-mixed, dreissenid grazing impact may be greatest offshore, revealing a potentially strong offshore carbon and phosphorus sink.
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mapping the spatial distribution of the biomass and filter feeding effect of invasive dreissenid mussels on the winter spring phytoplankton bloom in lake michigan
Freshwater Biology, 2015Co-Authors: Mark D Rowe, Daniel R Obenour, Thomas F Nalepa, Henry A Vanderploeg, Foad Yousef, Charles W KerfootAbstract:The effects of the invasive bivalves Dreissena polymorpha (zebra mussel) and Dreissena rostriformis bugensis (quagga mussel) on aquatic ecosystems, including Lake Michigan, are a topic of current interest to scientists and resource managers. We hypothesised that the winter–spring phytoplankton bloom in Lake Michigan is reduced at locations where the fraction of the water column cleared per day by Dreissena filter feeding approached the net growth rate of phytoplankton, when the water column was not stratified. To test this hypothesis, we compared the spatial distribution of Dreissena filter‐feeding intensity (determined from geostatistical modelling) to the spatial distribution of chlorophyll (determined from satellite remote sensing). To map the spatial distribution of Dreissena biomass and filter‐feeding intensity, we developed a geostatistical model based on point observations of mussel biomass measured in Lake Michigan in 1994/1995, 2000, 2005 and 2010. The model provided fine‐scale estimates of the spatial distribution of biomass for the survey years and provided estimates, with their uncertainty, of total biomass lakewide and within subregions. The approach outlined could be applied more generally to map the distribution of benthic biota in lakes from point observations. Total biomass of Dreissena in Lake Michigan, estimated from the geostatistical model, increased significantly over each five‐year period. The total biomass in units of 10⁶ kg ash‐free dry mass (AFDM) (with 90% confidence interval) was 6 (4–8) in 1994/1995, 18 (14–23) in 2000, 408 (338–485) in 2005 and 610 (547–680) in 2010. From 1994/1995 to 2005, increases were observed in all regions of the lake (northern, central and southern) and in all depth zones ( 90). However, from 2005 to 2010, for depths of 50 m. The filter‐feeding intensity of Dreissena exceeded the benchmark spring phytoplankton growth rate of 0.06 day⁻¹ in 2005 for depths <50 m (lakewide). In 2010, the filter‐feeding impact exceeded 0.06 day⁻¹ within depths <90 m (lakewide), which greatly increased the spatial area affected relative to 2005. A regression analysis indicated a significant relationship between the reduction in satellite‐derived chlorophyll concentration (pre‐D. r. bugensis period to post‐D. r. bugensis period) and spatially co‐located filter‐feeding intensity (fraction of water column cleared per day) during periods when the water column was not stratified (December to April).
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Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) selective filtration promoted toxic Microcystis blooms in
2015Co-Authors: Henry A., James R. Liebig, Wayne W. Carmichael, Megan A. Agy, Thomas H. Johengen, Gary L. Fahnenstiel, Thomas F NalepaAbstract:Abstract: Microcystis aeruginosa, a planktonic colonial cyanobacterium, was not abundant in the 2-year period before ze-bra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) establishment in Saginaw Bay (Lake Huron) but became abundant in three of five summers subsequent of mussel establishment. Using novel methods, we determined clearance, capture, and assimilation rates for zebra mussels feeding on natural and laboratory M. aeruginosa strains offered alone or in combination with other algae. Results were consistent with the hypothesis that zebra mussels promoted blooms of toxic M. aeruginosa in Saginaw Bay, western Lake Erie, and other lakes through selective rejection in pseudofeces. Mussels exhibited high feeding rates similar to those seen for a highly desirable food alga (Cryptomonas) with both large (>53 mm) and small (<53 mm) colo-nies of a nontoxic and a toxic laboratory strain of M. aeruginosa known to cause blockage of feeding in zooplankton. In experiments with naturally occurring toxic M. aeruginosa from Saginaw Bay and Lake Erie and a toxic isolate from Lake Erie, mussels exhibited lowered or normal filtering rates with rejection of M. aeruginosa in pseudofeces. Selective rejection depended on “unpalatable ” toxic strains of M. aeruginosa occurring as large colonies that could be rejected efficiently while small desirable algae were ingested. Résumé: Mycrocystis aeruginosa, une cyanobactérie qui forme des colonies planctoniques, s’est multipliée dans la Baie de Saginaw (Lac Huron) durant trois des cinq étés qui ont suivi l’établissement de la Moule zébrée (Dreissen
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recent changes in density biomass recruitment size structure and nutritional state of Dreissena populations in southern lake michigan
Journal of Great Lakes Research, 2010Co-Authors: Thomas F Nalepa, David L Fanslow, Steven A PothovenAbstract:Abstract Trends in density, biomass, population structure, and nutritional state of Dreissena polymorpha and Dreissena rostriformis bugensis were examined in southern Lake Michigan between the 1990s and 2008. Density and biomass of D. polymorpha increased to a peak in the early 2000s and then declined. In contrast, D. rostriformis bugensis was first found in the southern basin in 2001 and has continued to increase in density or biomass at all depths ever since. In 2008, maximum mean density of D. rostriformis bugensis occurred at 16–30 m (19,000/m 2 ), but maximum biomass (AFDW) occurred at 31–50 m (43.9 g/m 2 ). D. rostriformis bugensis has only recently (since 2005) began to increase at depths > 50 m. When both species were present in 2004 at depths D. rostriformis bugensis was 27% higher, and shell weight per shell length was 48% lower compared to D. polymorpha . For D. rostriformis bugensis , CI decreased in 2008 compared to 2004 at 25 m and 45 m, but biochemical content (lipid, glycogen) did not. Seasonal changes in both RNA/DNA ratio (growth) and ETS (metabolic activity) in D. rostriformis bugensis were unaffected by reproductive activity, and only ETS appeared to change seasonally relative to bottom temperatures. Spawning of D. rostriformis bugensis occurred in late summer at 25 m, but occurred in spring at 45 m. Veliger densities peaked in both spring and late summer at both depths. Future population expansion (biomass) is expected to be most rapid at depths > 50 m.
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recent changes in benthic macroinvertebrate populations in lake huron and impact on the diet of lake whitefish coregonus clupeaformis
Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management, 2009Co-Authors: Thomas F Nalepa, Steven A Pothoven, David L FanslowAbstract:Surveys of the benthic macroinvertebrate community were conducted in the main basin of Lake Huron in 2000 and 2003, and corresponding studies of lake whitefish diets were conducted in 2002-2004. Populations of three major benthic taxa, Diporeia spp., Sphaeriidae, and Chironomidae, declined dramatically between 2000 and 2003, with densities declining 57%, 74%, and 75% over this 3-year period. By 2003, Diporeia, an important food source for lake whitefish, was gone or rare at depths < 50 m except in the far northeastern portion of the lake. In contrast, densities of the Dreissena bugensis (quagga mussel) increased between 2000 and 2003, particularly at the 31-50 m depth interval, while densities of the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha remained stable. As expected, the diet of lake whitefish varied with fish size. Age-0 lake whitefish fed mainly zooplankton, most of which were Daphnia (98%). Medium lake whitefish (< 350 mm excluding age-0 fish) fed mainly on zooplankton, Chironomidae, and Dreissena bugensis...
Hugh J Macisaac - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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food partitioning between the amphipods echinogammarus ischnus gammarus fasciatus and hyalella azteca as revealed by stable isotopes
Journal of Great Lakes Research, 2005Co-Authors: Helene Limen, Colin D A Van Overdijk, Hugh J MacisaacAbstract:Abstract Colonies of introduced Dreissena mussels provide substrate and food resources for benthic invertebrates resulting in increases in population abundance of many species including the native amphipod Gammarus fasciatus . Conversely, abundance of Gammarus is inversely associated with that of an introduced amphipod species, Echinogammarus ischnus . In this study, we explored carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition of E. ischnus , G. fasciatus , and Hyalella azteca and of Dreissena faeces/pseudofaeces from western Lake Erie to investigate possible exploitative competition among amphipods. Carbon isotopic composition (δ 13 C) of H. azteca and G. fasciatus were similar, indicating that they share food resources, whereas E. ischnus was significantly depleted indicating its use of different resources. Dreissena faeces/pseudofaeces may be a part of G. fasciatus diet as revealed by carbon isotopic signatures, explaining, in part, why its abundance is positively associated with Dreissena . Phytoplankton may be the primary food source for juvenile E. ischnus and G. fasciatus as they had lighter carbon isotopic signatures than adult amphipods, suggesting an ontogenetic diet shift by both species. Isotopic separation of G. fasciatus and E. ischnus suggests that the latter is replacing the former by a mechanism other than exploitative competition for food.
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range expansion of quagga mussels Dreissena rostriformis bugensis in the volga river and caspian sea basin
Aquatic Ecology, 2004Co-Authors: Marina I Orlova, Thomas W Therriault, Jim R Muirhead, Pavel I Antonov, Gregory Kh Shcherbina, Yaroslav I Starobogatov, G I Biochino, Hugh J MacisaacAbstract:In 1992, we discovered populations of the nonindigenous quagga mussel Dreissena rostriformis bugensis in the middle reaches of the Volga River. The same species was found in samples collected between 1994 and 1997 in the Volga delta and in shallow areas of the Northern Caspian Sea. D. r. bugensis always co-occurred with its more widespread congener, the zebra mussel D. polymorpha (Pallas 1771). The quagga mussel's contribution to total Dreissena abundance increased over time in the middle Volga reservoirs and Volga River delta. D. r. bugensis was common in the Volga portion of Rybinsk Reservoir during 1997 and, by 2000, it was in Uglich, Rybinsk and Gorky Reservoirs on the Upper Volga River. D. r. bugensis was neither found in Ivankov Reservoir, nor in terminal sections of the Volga-Baltic corridor including the eastern Gulf of Finland. Presently, all but the northern-most regions of the Volga River have been colonized by D. r. bugensis. We hypothesize that its introduction into the Volga River and Caspian basin occurred no later than the late 1980s via commercial shipping that utilized the Volga-Don waterway to navigate between the source Black-Azov Sea region and recipient areas on the Volga River. Larval drift likely contributed to establishment of populations at downstream sites, while human-mediated vectors may be responsible for introductions to upstream locations on the Volga River. We anticipate continued northward dispersal in conjunction with shipping activities.
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molecular resolution of the family dreissenidae mollusca bivalvia with emphasis on ponto caspian species including first report of mytilopsis leucophaeata in the black sea basin
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2004Co-Authors: Thomas W Therriault, Margaret F Docker, Marina I Orlova, Daniel D Heath, Hugh J MacisaacAbstract:Considerable uncertainty exists in determination of the phylogeny among extant members of the Dreissenidae, especially those inhabiting the Ponto-Caspian basin, as multiple systematic revisions based on morphological characteristics have failed to resolve relationships within this group of bivalves. In this study we use DNA sequence analyses of two mitochondrial gene fragments, 16S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), to determine phylogenetic relationships among Dreissena rostriformis, D. bugensis, D. polymorpha, D. stankovici, Congeria kusceri, and Mytilopsis leucophaeata. Dreissena stankovici was determined to represent a sister taxa to D. polymorpha and both are more closely related to other extant Dreissena species than Congeria or Mytilopsis. Sequence divergence between D. rostriformis and D. bugensis was relatively low (0.3-0.4%), suggesting that these two taxa constitute a single species. However, environmental differences suggest two races of D. rostriformis, a brackish water race (rostriformis) and a freshwater race (bugensis). Spread of bugensis-type individuals into habitats in the Caspian Sea that are occupied by rostriformis-type individuals may create novel hybridization opportunities. Species-specific molecular markers also were developed in this study since significant intraspecific variation in morphological features complicates dreissenid identification. Using two gene fragments (nuclear 28S and 16S), we identified restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) that distinguish among D. rostriformis/bugensis, D. polymorpha, and D. stankovici and revealed the presence of a cryptic invader to the Black Sea basin, Mytilopsis leucophaeata. This is the first report of this North American native in southern Europe.
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fouling mussels Dreissena spp colonize soft sediments in lake erie and facilitate benthic invertebrates
Freshwater Biology, 2000Co-Authors: Andrew Bially, Hugh J MacisaacAbstract:Summary 1 We conducted survey and transplant studies to determine whether colonization and residency on soft sediments by introduced, fouling mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and D. bugensis) were affected by physical disturbance, and whether Dreissena presence in turn influenced the diversity and population densities of other benthic invertebrates. Surveys revealed that colony density was typically higher at moderate depths than at shallower and greater ones. However, the largest, midsummer colonies and greatest coverage of sediments by mussels occurred at deeper sites. 2 Disturbance of transplanted colonies varied by depth and colony size, with deeper and larger colonies experiencing the lowest destruction rates. Colony destruction rate was positively correlated with current velocity adjacent to the lakebed. 3 Absence of mussel colonies at shallow sites was not determined by recruitment or substrate limitation, as recruit density was higher and sediment characteristics more suitable for postveliger settlement at shallow than at deeper sites. Rather, seasonal storms have much stronger effects in shallow than in deep water. 4 Mussel residency on soft sediment has profound effects on invertebrate biodiversity. Invertebrate species (taxon) richness and total abundance were positively correlated with mussel colony area. Mussel-sediment habitat supported between 462 and 703% more taxa, and between 202 and 335% more individuals (exclusive of Dreissena) than adjacent soft-sediment lacking mussels. 5 Results from this study illustrate that physical disturbance directly limits the distribution of mussels on soft sediments, and the diversity and abundance of other benthic invertebrates in consequence.
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potential abiotic and biotic impacts of zebra mussels on the inland waters of north america
Integrative and Comparative Biology, 1996Co-Authors: Hugh J MacisaacAbstract:SYNOPSIS. The expansion of zebra mussel distribution into inland waterways of North America portends significant abiotic and biotic changes mediated either directly or indirectly by Dreissena . Dreissena fouls a wide array of submerged substrates including rock surfaces, macrophytes, native molluscs, canal and dock walls, and watercraft and motor outdrives. Fouling of water intake pipes and associated installations can severely impair water delivery to hydroelectric, municipal and industrial users, necessitating proactive or reactive control measures. Mussels increase water clarity by removing suspended clay, silt, bacteria, phytoplankton, and small zooplankton. Clear water phases associated with Dreissena grazing may exceed in magnitude and duration those generated by zooplankton grazing. Enhanced water clarity increases light transmittance and growth of benthic plants. Some benthic invertebrates {e.g., unionid molluscs) are adversely affected by Dreissena , whereas others, including amphipod crustaceans, exploit structure associated with or wastes generated by zebra mussels. Dreissena is exploited by a host of predators, most notably waterfowl, fish and crayfish. Waterfowl predators that consume contaminated Dreissena have elevated concentrations of organic pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyl compounds. Invasion of shallow lakes and ponds by Dreissena may divert production and biomass from pelagic to benthic foodwebs, shifting ecosystems to an alternative state.
Marc L Tuchman - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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changes in spring phytoplankton communities and nutrient dynamics in the eastern basin of lake erie since the invasion of Dreissena spp
Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 2006Co-Authors: Richard P Barbiero, Glenn J Warren, David C Rockwell, Marc L TuchmanAbstract:Distinct changes have occurred in the size and composition of the spring phytoplankton community in the eastern basin of Lake Erie following the introduction of Dreissena. Since 1996, total phytopl...
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changes in spring phytoplankton communities and nutrient dynamics in the eastern basin of lake erie since the invasion of Dreissena spp
Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 2006Co-Authors: Richard P Barbiero, Glenn J Warren, David C Rockwell, Marc L TuchmanAbstract:Distinct changes have occurred in the size and composition of the spring phytoplankton community in the eastern basin of Lake Erie following the introduction of Dreissena. Since 1996, total phytoplankton biovolume has decreased to approximately 20% of pre-Dreissena levels, whereas postinvasion concentrations of spring soluble nutrients, particularly silica, have been substantially elevated compared with earlier years. Spring dominance has shifted from a mix of pennate and large centric diatoms and pyrrophytes to three centric diatoms with high silica requirements: Aulacoseira islandica, Stephanodiscus hantzschii, and Stephanodiscus parvus, and the overall diversity and species richness of the spring phytoplankton community has declined significantly. In addition, current April silica concentrations are approximately twice as high as historical (i.e., 1960s–1980s) winter maxima, indicating that the silica content of the lake has increased since the dreissenid invasion. These results suggest that the severe...
Anthony Ricciardi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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impacts of Dreissena invasions on benthic macroinvertebrate communities a meta analysis
Diversity and Distributions, 2007Co-Authors: Jessica M Ward, Anthony RicciardiAbstract:Dreissenid mussels (the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha and the quagga mussel Dreissena bugensis) have invaded lakes and rivers throughout North America and Europe, where they have been linked to dramatic changes in benthic invertebrate community diversity and abundance. Through a meta-analysis of published data from 47 sites, we developed statistical models of Dreissena impact on benthic macroinvertebrates across a broad range of habitats and environmental conditions. The introduction of Dreissena was generally associated with increased benthic macroinvertebrate density and taxonomic richness, and with decreased community evenness (of taxa excluding Dreissena). However, the strength of these effects varied with sediment particle size across sites. The effects of Dreissena differed among taxonomic and functional groups of macroinvertebrates, with positive effects on the densities of scrapers and predators, particularly leeches (Hirudinea), flatworms (Turbellaria), and mayflies (Ephemeroptera). Gastropod densities increased in the presence of Dreissena, but large-bodied snail taxa tended to decline. Dreissena was associated with declines in the densities sphaeriid clams and other large filter-feeding taxa, as well as burrowing amphipods (Diporeia spp.), but had strong positive effects on gammarid amphipods. These patterns are robust to variation in the methodology of primary studies. The effects of Dreissena are remarkably concordant with those of ecologically similar species, suggesting universality in the interactions between introduced byssally attached mussels and other macroinvertebrates.
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influence of physicochemical factors on the distribution and biomass of invasive mussels Dreissena polymorpha and Dreissena bugensis in the st lawrence river
Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 2005Co-Authors: Lisa Jones, Anthony RicciardiAbstract:Twenty sites along the St. Lawrence River were sampled to determine if the distribution and abundance of invasive mussels (zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis)) are explained by physicochemical variables. Calcium concentration, substrate size, and depth independently explained significant proportions of variation in biomass for both species. Zebra mussel populations occurred at calcium levels as low as 8 mg Ca·L1, but quagga mussels were absent below 12 mg Ca·L1, suggesting that they have higher calcium requirements. Both species increased in biomass with increasing substrate size but displayed contrasting patterns with depth. Using combinations of these environmental variables, we developed stepwise multiple regression models to predict zebra mussel biomass and quagga mussel biomass. The zebra mussel model included calcium concentration, substrate size, and depth (r2 = 0.36, P < 0.0001), while the quagga mussel model included only substrate size and depth (r2 = 0.3...
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predicting the identity and impact of future biological invaders a priority for aquatic resource management
Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 1998Co-Authors: Anthony Ricciardi, Joseph B RasmussenAbstract:The identification and risk assessment of potential biological invaders would provide valuable criteria for the allocation of resources toward the detection and control of invasion threats. Yet, freshwater biologists have made few attempts at predicting potential invaders, apparently because such efforts are perceived to be costly and futile. We describe some simple, low-cost empirical approaches that would facilitate prediction and demonstrate their use in identifying high-risk species from an important donor region: the Ponto-Caspian (Black, Caspian, and Azov seas) basin. This region is the source of several freshwater organisms already invading North America, including the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis), ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus), and round goby (Neogobius melanostomus). Based on a thorough literature review, we identify 17 additional Ponto-Caspian animals that have recent invasion histories and are likely to be transported overseas in ship ballast water; moreover, their broad salinity tolerance could allow them to survive an incomplete ballast-water exchange. These results suggest that, unless current vectors are more effectively controlled, the Great Lakes n St. Lawrence River system and other North American inland waterways will continue to receive and be impacted by invasive Eurasian species. Resume : Liidentification des espces susceptibles de devenir envahissantes et liOvaluation des risques quielles peuvent poser permettraient de dOfinir des critres utiles pour liaffectation de ressources ‡ la dOtection et ‡ liOlimination des espces nuisibles. Jusquiici, pourtant, les biologistes des eaux douces niont gure consacrO de temps ‡ cette question, de telles Otudes paraissant Œtre considOrOes comme costeuses et inutiles. Nous dOcrivons ici des mOthodes de prOvision empiriques, simples et peu costeuses et nous montrons comment les utiliser pour identifier les espces ‡ fort potentiel de nuisibilitO diune rOgion qui peut Œtre une importante source de ce genre diorganismes : le bassin pontocaspien (comprenant la mer Noire, la mer Caspienne et la mer diAzov). Ciest en effet de cette rOgion que proviennent plusieurs des espces qui ont dOj‡ envahi les eaux douces nord-amOricaines et notamment la moule zObrOe (Dreissena polymorpha), la moule quagga (Dreissena bugensis), la grOmille (Gymnocephalus cernuus) et le gobie arrondi (Neogobius melanostomus). Dans une revue documentaire approfondie, nous avons relevO 17 autres espces animales diorigine pontocaspienne qui ont rOcemment envahi diautres rOgions et qui pourraient vraisemblablement Œtre transportOes jusquiici dans lieau de ballast des bateaux arrivant dioutremer; de plus, comme ces espces tolrent des conditions de salinitO trs variOes, elles pourraient survivre dans une eau de ballast incompltement changOe. Ces rOsultats donnent ‡ penser qui‡ dOfaut diun contrUle plus rigoureux des vecteurs actuels, de nouvelles espces envahissantes continueront diŒtre introduites diEurasie et de provoquer des dOg‚ts dans le bassin des Grands Lacs et du Saint-Laurent, ainsi que dans diautres bassins hydrographiques de liintOrieur des terres en AmOrique du Nord. (Traduit par la ROdaction)
Alexander Y Karatayev - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Lake morphometry determines Dreissena invasion dynamics
Biological Invasions, 2021Co-Authors: Alexander Y Karatayev, L. E. Burlakova, Mark D Rowe, Knut Mehler, Vadim A. Karatayev, Ashley K. Elgin, Thomas F NalepaAbstract:Predicting the ecosystem effects of invasive species and the best control strategies requires understanding population dynamics and population regulation. Invasive bivalves zebra and quagga mussels ( Dreissena spp.) are considered the most aggressive invaders in freshwaters and have become major drivers of ecosystem processes in the Laurentian Great Lakes. Combining all lake-wide studies of Dreissena spp. conducted in the Great Lakes, we found that invasion dynamics are largely governed by lake morphometry. Where both species are present, quagga mussels generally become dominant in 8–13 years. Thereafter, zebra mussels remain common in shallow lakes and embayments and lake-wide Dreissena density may remain similar, while in deep lakes quagga led to a near-complete displacement of zebra mussels and an ensuing dramatic increase in overall dreissenid density. In deep lakes, overall Dreissena biomass peaked later and achieved ~ threefold higher levels than in shallow lakes. Comparison with 21 waterbodies in North America and Europe colonized by both dreissenids confirmed that patterns of invasion dynamics found in the Great Lakes are very consistent with other waterbodies, and thus can be generalized to other lakes. Our biophysical model predicted that the long-term reduction in primary producers by mussel grazing may be fourfold less in deep compared to shallow lakes due to thermal stratification and a smaller proportion of the epilimnion in contact with the bottom. While this impact remains greatest in shallow areas, we show that when lakes are vertically well-mixed, dreissenid grazing impact may be greatest offshore, revealing a potentially strong offshore carbon and phosphorus sink.
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Detachment rates of dreissenid mussels after boat hull-mediated overland dispersal
Hydrobiologia, 2018Co-Authors: F. P. L. Collas, Alexander Y Karatayev, L. E. Burlakova, R. S. E. W. LeuvenAbstract:Introductions of the invasive zebra mussel ( Dreissena polymorpha ) and quagga mussel ( Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) into hydrologically isolated water bodies have been attributed to overland transport via (recreational) boat hulls. Before a boat becomes a successful vector, mussels must (1) attach to the hull, (2) survive air exposure during overland transport and (3) establish a viable population either after detachment or release of spat during launching or sailing. This study mimics these dispersal barriers and assesses the potential of boat hull-mediated release into a recipient environment for both species. Individuals were allowed to attach to aluminium and fibreglass plates. Hereafter, attached individuals were exposed to air and subsequently submerged again. Zebra mussels had a significantly higher attachment rate than quagga mussels. The percentage of attached dreissenid mussels that detached alive during rewetting ranged between 7.9 and 21.8%. No significant difference was found between species and hull materials. However, alive detachment during rewetting was significantly higher after 24 h compared to 48 h of air exposure. Our data allow modelling introduction pressure of lakes if quantitative data on overland boat movement and the density of attached mussels are available.
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biomonitoring using invasive species in a large lake Dreissena distribution maps hypoxic zones
Journal of Great Lakes Research, 2017Co-Authors: Alexander Y Karatayev, L. E. Burlakova, Knut Mehler, Serghei A Bocaniov, Paris D Collingsworth, Glenn J Warren, Richard T Kraus, Elizabeth K HincheyAbstract:Due to cultural eutrophication and global climate change, an exponential increase in the number and extent of hypoxic zones in marine and freshwater ecosystems has been observed in the last few decades. Hypoxia, or low dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations, can produce strong negative ecological impacts and, therefore, is a management concern. We measured biomass and densities of Dreissena in Lake Erie, as well as bottom DO in 2014 using 19 high frequency data loggers distributed throughout the central basin to validate a three-dimensional hydrodynamic-ecological lake model. We found that a deep, offshore hypoxic zone was formed by early August, restricting the Dreissena population to shallow areas of the central basin. Deeper than 20 m, where bottom hypoxia routinely develops, only young of the year mussels were found in small numbers, indicating restricted recruitment and survival of young Dreissena. We suggest that monitoring Dreissena distribution can be an effective tool for mapping the extent and frequency of hypoxia in freshwater. In addition, our results suggest that an anticipated decrease in the spatial extent of hypoxia resulting from nutrient management has the potential to increase the spatial extent of profundal habitat in the central basin available for Dreissena expansion.
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exotic molluscs in the great lakes host epizootically important trematodes
Journal of Shellfish Research, 2012Co-Authors: Alexander Y Karatayev, L. E. Burlakova, Vadim A. Karatayev, Sergey E Mastitsky, Marissa M Hajduk, David Bruce ConnAbstract:ABSTRACT One of the most significant ecological and economic impacts of exotic species is associated with their role as vectors for the introduction of parasites into invaded areas. Exotic parasites may have devastating impacts on invaded ecosystems; moreover, invaders may also become hosts for aboriginal parasites, promoting native diseases that otherwise would not have emerged. During 2009 and 2010, exotic molluscs were collected from 27 sites in the Lower Great Lakes and their tributaries, the Finger Lakes, and Lake Oneida. Seven species of exotic molluscs were examined for the presence of trematodes, including the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis), faucet snail (Bithynla tentaculata), European stream valvata (Valvata piscinalis), Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea), Chinese mystery snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis), and the New Zealand mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum). Most of the examined molluscs were infected with trematode larvae that may be harmfu...
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north american range extension of the invasive asian clam in a st lawrence river power station thermal plume
Aquatic Invasions, 2012Co-Authors: M A Simard, A Paquet, C Jutras, Y Robitaille, Pierre U Blier, R Courtois, Andre Martel, R Claudi, Alexander Y KaratayevAbstract:Similar to the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and the quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis), the Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea) is an invasive bivalve that has colonized many waterbodies in the United States and Europe. So far, low water temperature and ice formation during winter appear to have limited its northern distribution, especially in Eastern North America. This paper documents the recent discovery of a Corbicula fluminea population in the St. Lawrence River, in the thermal plume produced by the Gentilly-2 nuclear power plant (Becancour, Quebec, Canada). Based on a benthic samples obtained during November 2009 from 21 sites, both upstream and downstream of the power plant outlet, average density (± standard error) of this non-indigenous species was 368 ± 176 living individuals/m². Additional samples collected in 2010 showed an increase in density to 3,380 ± 1,315 living individuals/m² downstream the power station, and established the range limit at 4 km downstream. The species was present only downstream of the power plant and its distribution appears to be associated with the warm water plume. The influence of the thermal plume at 4 km from the power station was however fairly limited. The size of individuals varied from < 1 mm to 24 mm in length. These results confirm the establishment of the species in the St. Lawrence River, thereby extending the northern boundary of its distribution in North America.
