Evaluation of candidate biocides to control the biofouling Asian clam in the drinking water treatment industry: An environmentally friendly approach

The biofouling Asian clam Corbicula fluminea greatly affects freshwater-dependent facilities in Europe and North America, including in the Great Lakes region. As chlorination has become increasingly restricted, finding alternative control agents is a priority. Due to the species' epifaunal nature, the body of knowledge on Dreissena polymorpha is larger than that on the Asian clam, and there is a tendency to assume that mitigation methods should work similarly for both species. However, this generalisation is inaccurate, and the optimisation of Asian clam control relies on species-specific toxicological data. This paper reports information on the potential of three candidate biocides for C. fluminea control: (i) the cationic polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (polyDADMAC), (ii) potassium chloride and (iii) aluminum sulphate. While these chemicals may be employed in a range of contexts, they are particularly suitable for the highly regulated drinking water industry. LT₅₀ values ranging from 284.3 h, for polyDADMAC applied at 10 mg/L, to 855.1 h, for an aluminum sulphate concentration of 11 mg/L, were obtained. Ecotoxicological standard tests with Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and Daphnia magna suggested that, amongst the three biocides, potassium chloride is the one representing lower potential environmental hazard (with, for example, 48 h-EC₅₀ higher than 1 g/L for Daphnia immobilisation, which compares to values of 20.2 and 112.5 mg/L for polyDADMAC and aluminum sulphate, respectively). The three chemicals are promising control agents at dosages compatible with waterworks' operational requirements with polyDADMAC having the highest biocidal activity, but also posing more environmental risks.     

Application of a glyphosate-based herbicide to Phragmites australis: Impact on groundwater and near-shore lake water at a beach on Georgian Bay

During the past decade, the invasive Phragmites australis (common reed) has established itself along beaches of the Great Lakes, causing detrimental impacts to both the natural ecological integrity of the shoreline and the recreational value of beaches. The herbicide Roundup®, containing the active ingredient glyphosate, was applied to Phragmites along a beach on the southern shore of Georgian Bay, Canada, to eradicate the Phragmites which was destroying the natural beach ecosystem. Groundwater and lake water were tested to determine if glyphosate enters the groundwater and lake at the beach and how long glyphosate will persist. Two days after application, the geometric mean concentration of glyphosate in the groundwater below the Phragmites was 0.060 μg/L with a maximum of 12.50 μg/L. Concentrations rapidly declined over the next two to three weeks to below minimum detection limits (< 0.020 μg/L). Glyphosate was also detected in the nearshore lake water with concentrations peaking at a geometric mean of 0.14 μg/L one week after application, and declining to 0.039 μg/L four weeks after application. Concentrations of glyphosate never exceeded the Canadian water quality guideline for the protection of aquatic life (65 μg/L) in either the groundwater or lake water. An approximate half-life for the dissipation of glyphosate by degradation and dilution/flushing as groundwater flows toward the lake, assuming a first order kinetic reaction, yielded a half-life of 3.5 during the 4 weeks after the herbicide was applied. The application of Roundup® resulted in an 90% reduction in the size of the stand of Phragmites.     

Distribution and abundance of nesting common and Caspian terns on the North American Great Lakes, 1976 to 1999

Canadian and US federal wildlife agencies completed three surveys (1976–1980, 1989–1991, and 1997–2000) to census colonial waterbirds breeding on the Great Lakes. We here summarize and comment on nest numbers and colony site distribution of common terns (Sterna hirundo) and Caspian terns (Hydroprogne caspia). Common terns are in serious trouble on the Great Lakes. Numbers declined with substantial losses in nests (− 19.1%) and colony sites (− 23.2%) between the first and third censuses. An increase in numbers at US sites (+ 26.6%) did not compensate for losses (− 33.1%) at Canadian sites. Caspian terns increased in nest numbers (+ 65.9%) and colony sites (+ 50.0%) over the same period. The increase at US sites (136.5%) was greater than at Canadian sites (11.5%). Most (70.7%, n = 186) common tern sites had nests during only one census; 17 sites (6.5%) had nests during all censuses. In contrast, 9 of 33 (27.2%) Caspian tern sites had nests during all censuses and contained a majority of nests (50–82%) in each census. Pairs of both species nested on natural substrates across the Great Lakes. Common terns nested mostly on artificial (human-constructed) substrates on the lower Great Lakes. We identify site characteristics that may have contributed to long-term (three census) occupancy by common terns (small size, artificial substrates, absence of ring-billed gulls) and Caspian terns (natural substrates on large, remote islands). We suggest an urgent need for protection and conservation of common tern colonies and identify specific priority sites for implementation of management protocols.     

Environmental impacts of desalination on the ecology of Lake Urmia

Lake Urmia, the second largest hypersaline lake by area in the world, has fluctuated in salinity over time, but in recent years, it has reached a maximum of 340 g/L. The lake is the main habitat for the endemic Iranian brine shrimp, Artemia urmiana, and is a protected aquatic environment. Efforts have been made by the Iranian government to enhance the diversity of its wildlife. One approach has been to look for a method to reduce the salt content of the lake. We investigate the feasibility of this by first considering the water chemistry of Lake Urmia and then the various technologies used to extract salt from marine and brackish waters. Average concentrations of Na, Mg, K, Ca, Cl, SO₄, and HCO₃ were 125 g/L, 11.3 g/L, 2.63 g/L, 0.55 g/L, 216 g/L, 22.4 g/L, and 1.38 g/L, respectively, and cations and anions were balanced, However, Lake Urmia waters have a ‘very high’ salinity hazard and a high sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). Moreover, the saturation index (SI) for each of the major cations was greater than zero, indicating that the water in Lake Urmia is supersaturated, and precipitation is likely. The extraction of available salts from the lake for the use in petrochemical industries is economically feasible. However, technologies based on removing salts by distillation or reverse osmosis and then using this fresh water to dilute lake salinity are problematic. A better strategy would be better to allow more fresh water to reach the lake rather than creating fresh water through reverse osmosis and distillations processes. While concerns have been raised about the salinity tolerance of A.urmiana, it has successfully tolerated various salinity ranges from 166 to 340 g/L, and so the species is not threatened, unless the lake desiccates. Because the lake is saturated with salts, it seems unlikely that salinity could increase much higher.     

Spatial and temporal variations of persistent organic pollutants impacted by episodic sediment resuspension in southern Lake Michigan

The impacts of large-scale, episodic sediment resuspension on the cycling of polychlorinated biphenyl congeners (PCBs) were examined using a spatially coordinated air and water sampling strategy conducted in southern Lake Michigan in the late winters of 1998, 1999, and 2000. We found no significant temporal changes in gas phase, dissolved phase, or suspended sediment PCB concentrations despite large-scale seasonal storms occurring before and after sampling campaigns. Only gas phase and suspended sediment PCBs varied spatially. Higher total suspended material (TSM) concentrations and fraction organic carbon (f_oc) were measured at sampling stations located in the near-shore region of southern Lake Michigan than at open-water sampling stations. Gas phase concentrations (ΣPCB_g) were higher in the west (0.436 ± 0.200 ng/m³, n = 11) and south (0.408 ± 0.286 ng/m³, n = 5) than the east (0.214 ± 0.082 ng/m³, n = 10) and central (0.253 ± 0.145 ng/m³, n = 8) regions of southern Lake Michigan. Dissolved phase concentrations (ΣPCB_d) averaged 0.18 ± 0.024 ng/L (n = 52); suspended sediment concentrations (ΣPCB_s) accounted for between 4% and 72% (23 ± 4%, n = 52) of the total ΣPCB concentrations (ΣPCB_T = ΣPCB_d + ΣPCB_s). Despite no consistent temporal variations in both dissolved phase or suspended sediment ΣPCB concentrations, there were temporal and spatial variations in the distribution shift between phases that can be linked to sediment resuspension, not a state of equilibrium. Specifically, our analysis suggests sediment resuspension results in preferential sorption of heavier, more chlorinated PCB congeners.     

Movement patterns of smallmouth and largemouth bass in and around a Lake Michigan harbor: The importance of water temperature

Smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu and largemouth bass M. salmoides in southwestern Lake Michigan use shallow, warm harbors for spawning during spring. After the reproductive period ends in early summer, catch rates from standardized sampling of smallmouth bass in harbors decrease. Fishes are presumed to use the main lake during summer but little is known about how black basses use main-lake habitat in Lake Michigan or mechanisms driving this transition. We tracked smallmouth bass (N = 26) and largemouth bass (N = 8) using radio and acoustic telemetry during 2005–2006 near North Point Marina, IL. A temperature difference persisted between inside and outside the harbor for much of May–October where harbor temperatures were generally warmer than those outside the harbor. Smallmouth bass responded to water temperature changes, inhabiting the harbor until temperatures outside the harbor approached 18.5 °C, at which time they left the harbor. Frequent temperature fluctuations of > 3 °C occurred outside the harbor within 24-hour periods. Sudden reductions in water temperature were associated with smallmouth bass temporarily returning to the harbor until the temperature outside the harbor again approached 18.5 °C. As water cooled during fall, smallmouth bass again returned to the harbor. Largemouth bass exhibited comparatively restricted movements during this time and rarely ranged outside the harbor. Thus, home range estimates for smallmouth bass (142.6 ha) were an order of magnitude greater than those of largemouth bass (12.9 ha). Both water temperature and species played a role in determining the degree of movement outside the harbor but both black basses used the harbor as a thermal refuge.     

Acoustic deterrence of bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) to a broadband sound stimulus

Recent studies have shown the potential of acoustic deterrents against invasive silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix). This study examined the phonotaxic response of the bighead carp (H. nobilis) to pure tones (500–2000 Hz) and playbacks of broadband sound from an underwater recording of a 100 hp outboard motor (0.06–10 kHz) in an outdoor concrete pond (10 × 5 × 1.2 m) at the U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Environmental Science Center in La Crosse, WI. The number of consecutive times the fish reacted to sound from alternating locations at each end of the pond was assessed. Bighead carp were relatively indifferent to the pure tones with median consecutive responses ranging from 0 to 2 reactions away from the sound source. However, fish consistently exhibited significantly (P < 0.001) greater negative phonotaxis to the broadband sound (outboard motor recording) with an overall median response of 20 consecutive reactions during the 10 min trials. In over 50% of broadband sound tests, carp were still reacting to the stimulus at the end of the trial, implying that fish were not habituating to the sound. This study suggests that broadband sound may be an effective deterrent to bighead carp and provides a basis for conducting studies with wild fish.     

Telemetry evaluation of carbon dioxide as a behavioral deterrent for invasive carps

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) mixed into water is being explored as a possible management strategy to deter the upstream movements of invasive carps through navigation locks and other migratory pinch-points. This study used two-dimensional acoustic telemetry to assess the effectiveness of dissolved CO₂ as a chemosensory deterrent to two carp species in a large U-shaped pond. Free-swimming movements of telemetered bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) and grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) were documented 24 h before treatment and 24 h during treatments at 60, 121 and 213 mg/L CO₂ (mean concentrations in pond water). Several behavioral endpoints were then quantified and compared to evaluate deterrence efficacy. In general, results showed that both carp species responded similarly to CO₂ treatments. Carps consistently relocated into areas away from the injection site and made fewer attempts to re-enter CO₂ treated areas. On average, CO₂ treatments reduced mid-line crosses between untreated and treated sides of the pond by 58% at 121 mg/L CO₂ and 78% at 213 mg/L CO₂ relative to normal swimming movements recorded before treatment. Fish swim speeds increased significantly when inside the CO₂ plume during treatments during 213 mg/L CO₂ trials relative to swim speeds outside the plume, possibly indicative of active searching and avoidance responses. Overall, this study found that CO₂ altered the behavior of bighead carp and grass carp. Natural resource agencies could consider the CO₂ concentrations identified in this study to inform future applications to deter invasive carps from locations where they are at-risk to move upstream.     

The establishment of the nuisance cyanobacteria Lyngbya wollei in Lake St. Clair and its potential to harbor fecal indicator bacteria

Lyngbya wollei is a filamentous cyanobacterium which forms large nuisance mats and has infested eastern and southeastern U.S. Lakes and reservoirs for over 100 years. Lyngbya was recently identified in the Great Lakes system in the St. Lawrence River, and Western Lake Erie. Here we report on large deposits of L. wollei washing onshore at a popular recreational beach in Lake Saint Clair, part of the Great Lakes system. The amount of L. wollei deposited on shore was quantified and evaluated for the presence of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB). High concentrations of Escherichia coli, enterococci and Clostridium perfringens were found in the L. wollei in nearshore waters. The densities of E. coli (MPN), enterococci (MPN) and C. perfringens (CFU) attached to L. wollei averaged 3.5, 3.2 and 3.2 log/g, respectively. In contrast, nearshore waters contained nearly 10 times less FIB, averaging 2.6, 2.4 and 2.6 log/100 ml of E. coli (MPN), enterococci (MPN) and C. perfringens (CFU), respectively. DNA fingerprint analysis was used to examine the population structure of E. coli isolates obtained from L. wollei mats. The L. wollei-borne E. coli strains were genetically diverse, suggesting a causal relationship between E. coli and L. wollei. Results from this study indicate that in addition to the macroalga such as Cladophora, cyanobacteria like L. wollei also harbor FIB, potentially impacting water quality and human health in the Great Lakes.     

Laboratory-derived temperature preference and effect on the feeding rate and survival of juvenile Hemimysis anomala

Hemimysis anomala is a warm-water mysid that invaded the Great Lakes region in 2006 and has since rapidly spread throughout the basin. We conducted three laboratory experiments to better define the temperature preference, tolerance limits, and temperature effects on feeding rates of juvenile Hemimysis, using individuals acclimated to mid (16 °C) and upper (22 °C) preferred temperature values previously reported for the species. For temperature preference, we fit a two-parameter Gaussian (μ, σ) function to the experimental data, and found that the peak values (μ, interpreted as the preference temperature) were 22.0 °C (SE 0.25) when acclimated to 16 and 21.9 °C (SE 0.38) when acclimated to 22 °C, with the σ-values of the curves at 2.6 and 2.5 °C, respectively. No mysids were observed in temperatures below 10 or above 28 °C in these preference experiments. In short-term tolerance experiments for temperatures between 4 and 32 °C, all mysids died within 8 h at 30.2 °C for 16 °C acclimated mysids, and at 31.8 °C for 22 °C acclimated mysids. No lower lethal limit was found. Feeding rates increased with temperature from an average of 4 Bosmina eaten per hour at 5 °C to 19 Bosmina eaten per hour at 27 °C. The results of our experiments indicate an optimal temperature for Hemimysis between 21 and 27 °C, which corresponds with temperatures during periods of high population growth in the field. These results contribute a better understanding of this species' biological response to temperature that will help guide field studies and inform bioenergetics modeling.     

The last snapshot of natural pelagic fish assemblage in Lake Turkana,Kenya: A hydroacoustic study

A hydroacoustic survey and supplementary gillnet investigation were carried out in the open water of the central part of Lake Turkana in September 2009. Overall acoustic fish density and biomass were assessed as 1381 ind./ha and 30 kg/ha, respectively. The fish density estimate was lower than the results from two previous investigations in the 1970s and 1980s (long-term average 3739 ind./ha), but the biomass remained relatively unchanged (long-term average 25.4 kg/ha). A decreasing gradient in pelagic fish density from the western to eastern shore of the lake was observed. Fish were distributed unevenly within the water column. During the day, a majority of fish aggregated in the mid-water layers (10–12 m below the water surface), creating on echograms the so-called Midwater Scattering Layer. This feature dissipated completely during dusk and the majority of fish occurred in the surface layers at night. These diel vertical fish migrations influenced day and night hydroacoustic estimates of the total fish abundance. Synodontis spp., Lates spp. and Schilbe uranoscopus dominated the catch of both mid-water and bottom gillnets installed in open water areas. Hydrocynus forskalii and Brycinus spp. contributed significantly to the catch of mid-water gillnets while Bagrus bayad and the endemic Haplochromis macconneli occurred only in the catch of the bottom gillnets.     

Diatoms abound in ice-covered Lake Erie: An investigation of offshore winter limnology in Lake Erie over the period 2007 to 2010

The limnology of offshore Lake Erie during periods of extensive (> 70%) ice cover was examined from ship borne sampling efforts in 2007 to 2010, inclusive. Dense and discrete accumulations of the centric filamentous diatom Aulacoseria islandica (> 10 μg Chl-a/L) were located in the isothermal (< 1 °C) water column directly below the ice and only detectable in the ship wake; viable phytoplankton were also observed within ice. Evidence from these surveys supports the notions that winter blooms of diatoms occur annually prior to the onset of ice cover and that the phytoplankton from these blooms are maintained in the surface waters of Lake Erie and reduce silicate concentrations in the lake prior to spring. The mechanisms by which high phytoplankton biomass rise at this time of year requires further investigation, but these winter blooms probably have consequences for summer hypoxia and how the lake responds to climate change.     

Quantification of cormorant litter and nutrient deposition to Great Lakes island ecosystems

Ornithogenic nutrients derived from waterbirds such as the double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus, Lesson) have been linked to habitat change within nesting colonies. For the islands of Lake Erie, where increasing cormorant populations and subsequent habitat change have spurred management activity, estimates of the quantity and chemical characteristics of avian-derived contributions are lacking. To evaluate the quantity and chemical characteristics of ornithogenic litterfall beneath a double-crested cormorant colony on a western Lake Erie island we investigated the mass of material and nutrient composition (PO₄^3 −, NO₃⁻ and NH₄⁺) reaching the forest floor under three nest densities (Low: 1–96 nests ha^− 1; Medium: 97–255 nests ha^− 1 and High: > 255 nests ha^− 1). As expected, litterfall (total mass) input differed among nest densities with the most substantial input (225.05 g/m² week^− 1) measured under High nest density conditions. Nutrient concentrations also showed increases with nest density to a point, where mean PO₄^3 − and NH₄⁺ concentrations showed no differences between Medium and High nest density sites. As well, NO₃⁻ concentrations were highest under Medium density, with no differences in this nutrient observed between Low and High density. Collectively, litterfall nutrient composition was similar to those linked to habitat changes in other waterbird colonies. Similarities in the concentrations of several nutrients between Medium and High nest density categories suggest that management actions aimed at reducing allochthonous nutrient contributions should try to sustain nest density at or below 96 nests ha^− 1.     

From River to Lake: Phosphorus partitioning and algal community compositional changes in Western Lake Erie

The Maumee River is an important source of phosphorus (P) loading to western Lake Erie and potentially a source of Microcystis seed colonies contributing to the development of harmful algal blooms in the lake. Herein, we quantified P forms and size fractions, and phytoplankton community composition in the river–lake coupled ecosystem before (June), during (August), and after (September) a large Microcystis bloom in 2009. Additionally, we determined the distribution and density of a newly emergent cyanobacterium, Lyngbya wollei, near Maumee Bay to estimate potential P sequestration. In June, dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) was the most abundant P form whereas particulate P (partP) was most abundant in August and September. Green algae dominated in June (44% and 60% of total chlorophyll in river and lake, respectively) with substantial Microcystis (17%) present only in the river. Conversely, in August, Microcystis declined in the river (3%) but dominated (32%) the lake. Lake phytoplankton sequestered < 6% of water column P even during peak Microcystis blooms; in all lake samples < 112 μm non-algal particles dominated partP. Lyngbya density averaged 19.4 g dry wt/m², with average Lyngbya P content of 15% (to 75% maximum) of water column P. The presence of Microcystis in the river before appearing in the lake indicates that the river is a potential source of Microcystis seed colonies for later lake blooms, that DOP is an important component of early summer total P, and that L. wollei blooms have the potential to increase P retention in nearshore areas.     

Eukaryal and archaeal diversity in a submerged sinkhole ecosystem influenced by sulfur-rich,hypoxic groundwater

Middle Island sinkhole (23 m depth) is an underwater karst feature in Lake Huron (MI, USA) inundated with hypoxic, high-conductivity groundwater. Here, microbial mats composed of purple-pigmented filamentous cyanobacteria cover carbon-rich sediments. To study the species diversity of Archaea and Eukarya in this habitat, we constructed clone libraries and sequenced the small subunit ribosomal RNA genes from sediment cores sectioned into five visually distinct layers: the surface cyanobacterial mat (0–0.2 cm), an underlying white crystalline layer (0.2–0.5 cm), and three sub-sections of black organic-rich sediment chosen from distinct layers in the cores (0.5–2.0 cm, 7.5–9.5 cm, and 24.5–28.5 cm). Clone libraries from the cyanobacterial mat were dominated by eukaryal 18S rRNA gene sequences such as nematodes (Tobrilus gracilis), ciliates (Frontonia vernalis), and tardigrades (Isohypsibius granulifer). Shallow organic-rich sediments shared clones with the overlying mat but also included seed shrimp (Cyprididae sp.) and copepods (Leptodiaptomus spp.). Clone libraries from the deepest sediments were dominated by archaeal sequences similar to known methanogens (Methanosphaerula and Methanosaeta) and uncultivated Archaea, including non-thermophilic Crenarchaeota. Phylogenetic trees revealed representation in diverse eukaryotic and archaeal lineages. By chronicling the species composition of freshwater sinkholes, this study expands our knowledge of microbial communities in habitats influenced by hypoxic, sulfur-rich groundwater.     

Fecal indicator organism density in beach sands: Impact of sediment grain size,uniformity, and hydrologic factors on surface water loading

Fecal loading to beach sands and subsequent transport to surface water may result in the degradation of surface water quality. To better understand the relationship between Escherichia coli in sands, beach hydrology, and recreational water quality, we collected surface water, groundwater, and sand samples from three Lake Michigan beaches with varying substrates (fine sand to pebbles, July 2005–June 2006). Sediment cores collected within transects perpendicular to and at fixed distances from the shoreline (0 m, 10 m, 20 m) and surface water samples collected at a depth of 1 m were analyzed for E. coli. Grain size analysis was performed on duplicate core samples to assess the relationship between E. coli density and mean grain size and uniformity. Groundwater samples, collected from shallow drive-point piezometers within the test area, were also analyzed for E. coli. E. coli density in beach sands differed significantly with distance from shore with the highest density occurring at the berm crest (0 m). Mean grain size and uniformity accounted for variation in E. coli density with fine sand of uniform distribution having the highest content. E. coli density in surface water was correlated to E. coli density in beach sand samples at the berm crest. E. coli in groundwater was < 10 to 579 MPN/100 ml (2005); none was detected in 2006. Management interventions, including altered beach grooming practices and slope assessments, may be effective in reducing E. coli content at beaches comprised of fine sands of uniform grain size, hence reducing water quality advisories.     

Lyngbya wollei in western Lake Erie

We report on the emergence of the potentially toxic filamentous cyanobacterium, Lyngbya wollei as a nuisance species in western Lake Erie. The first indication of heavy L. wollei growth along the lake bottom occurred in September 2006, when a storm deposited large mats of L. wollei in coves along the south shore of Maumee Bay. These mats remained intact over winter and new growth was observed along the margins in April 2007. Mats ranged in thickness from 0.2 to 1.2 m and we estimated that one 100-m stretch of shoreline along the southern shore of Maumee Bay was covered with approximately 200 metric tons of L. wollei. Nearshore surveys conducted in July 2008 revealed greatest benthic L. wollei biomass (591 g/m² ± 361 g/m² fresh weight) in Maumee Bay at depth contours between 1.5 and 3.5 m corresponding to benthic irradiance of approximately 4.0–0.05% of surface irradiance and sand/crushed dreissenid mussel shell-type substrate. A shoreline survey indicated a generally decreasing prevalence of shoreline L. wollei mats with distance from Maumee Bay. Surveys of nearshore benthic areas outside of Maumee Bay revealed substantial L. wollei beds north along the Michigan shoreline, but very little L wollei growth to the east along the Ohio shoreline.     

Low prevalence of VHSV detected in round goby collected in offshore regions of Lake Ontario

Since the first reports of mortalities due to viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) type IVb in the Laurentian Great Lakes basin during 2005 (Lake St. Clair, USA and Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario, Canada), many groups have conducted surveillance efforts for the virus, primarily in nearshore areas. The round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) has been identified as a key species to target for surveillance, because they have a very high probability of infection at a given site. Our objective in this study was to document and quantify VHSV in round gobies in offshore waters of Lake Ontario using molecular techniques. We collected 139 round gobies from depths ranging from 55 to 150 m using bottom trawls during the early spring of 2011 and detected VHSV in 4 individuals (1/26 fish at 95 m, 2/12 fish at 105 m, and 1/24 fish at 135 m). These results expand the known depth range of VHSV in the Great Lakes. They also have implications on the management of the spread of VHSV within infected bodies of water related to the mixing of populations of fish that would remain distinct in their breeding habitats, but then have the opportunity to mix in their overwintering habitats, as well as to increase overlap of predator and prey species in overwintering habitats.     

Thermal and hydrologic suitability of Lake Erie and its major tributaries for spawning of Asian carps

Bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, silver carp H. molitrix, and grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella (hereafter Asian carps) have expanded throughout the Mississippi River basin and threaten to invade Lakes Michigan and Erie. Adult bighead carp and grass carp have been captured in Lake Erie, but self-sustaining populations probably do not exist. We examined thermal conditions within Lake Erie to determine if Asian carps would mature, and to estimate time of year when fish would reach spawning condition. We also examined whether thermal and hydrologic conditions in the largest tributaries to western and central Lake Erie were suitable for spawning of Asian carps. We used length of undammed river, predicted summer temperatures, and predicted water velocity during flood events to determine whether sufficient lengths of river are available for spawning of Asian carps. Most rivers we examined have at least 100 km of passable river and summer temperatures suitable (> 21 C) for rapid incubation of eggs of Asian carps. Predicted water velocity and temperature were sufficient to ensure that incubating eggs, which drift in the water column, would hatch before reaching Lake Erie for most flood events in most rivers if spawned far enough upstream. The Maumee, Sandusky, and Grand Rivers were predicted to be the most likely to support spawning of Asian carps. The Black, Huron, Portage, and Vermilion Rivers were predicted to be less suitable. The weight of the evidence suggests that the largest western and central Lake Erie tributaries are thermally and hydrologically suitable to support spawning of Asian carps.     

Influence of increasing populations of Double-crested Cormorants on soil nutrient characteristics of nesting islands in western Lake Erie

Animals can influence the structure of an ecosystem by changing the levels of nutrient input. This is of particular importance for the islands of western Lake Erie, which are relatively nutrient poor, but have experienced increases in nutrient input from growing double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) populations. The objectives of this study were to evaluate changes in soil characteristics (nutrients [nitrate (NO₃), total P], pH, and δ¹³C [as a tracer of cormorant-associated nutrients]) across a gradient of cormorant nest density on two islands (Middle and East Sister) in western Lake Erie. For both islands, soil pH decreased and P concentrations increased with nest density. On Middle Island, soil nitrate concentrations increased with cormorant nest density, and varied with breeding phenology, with highest concentrations during the early and mid nesting season (272 ± 19 μg g^− 1) and lowest concentrations late in the season (165 ± 11 μg g^− 1). Following a 3-year absence of nesting activity at sites on Middle Island, soil nitrate concentrations were similar to those at low density sites. In contrast, nitrate concentrations measured on East Sister Island did not correlate with temporal or spatial patterns of cormorant nesting and remained elevated 10 years post-cormorant use. While the results of this study confirm that chronic input of allochthonous materials alters soil properties of these islands, the unique conditions of each island must be considered when predicting ecological effects and setting long-term management objectives.