Diet partitioning, habitat preferences and behavioral interactions between juvenile yellow perch and round goby in nearshore areas of Lake Erie

Ecological interactions between native and non-indigeneous species depend on interspecies dietary and habitat overlap and species-specific behavior. In the Great Lakes, the exotic round goby (Apollonia melanostoma) is very abundant in littoral areas used by the native yellow perch (Perca flavencens). We examined yellow perch-round goby interactions using multiple approaches. Field surveys analyzing dietary overlap among three size classes of yellow perch and round goby detected significant overlap only between juvenile perch (< 95 mm TL) and gobies (< 60 mm TL). Laboratory experiments using juvenile stages tested for habitat preference differences (open sand, macrophytes and dreissenids) in solitary, intraspecific (2 perch) and interspecific (1 perch, 1 goby) treatments. In macrophyte and dreissenid habitats, we tested for treatment differences in fish behavior (intraspecific vs. interspecific) and yellow perch growth (solitary, intraspecific and interspecific). Round goby consistently preferred complex habitats. Yellow perch showed diurnal preference of complex habitats, but increased nocturnal use of sand in the solitary and interspecific treatments. Activity was greater in dreissenid than macrophyte habitat, but prey attacks showed the opposite trend. Activity and prey attacks were greater in the intraspecific than interspecific treatments. The trend was due to lower prey attacks executed by round goby. In macrophytes, individual yellow perch growth was lower in the intraspecific than in the solitary and interspecific treatments. In dreissenids, intraspecific and interspecific competitors equally decreased yellow perch growth. Our results suggest differences in diet, habitat preference and behavior between juvenile round goby and yellow perch may allow their coexistence in nearshore areas.     

Diet shift of double-crested cormorants in eastern Lake Ontario associated with the expansion of the invasive round goby

The proliferation of the invasive round goby (Apollonia melanostoma) in the Great Lakes has caused shifts in the trophic ecology in some areas. We examined the diet of double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritas) prior to, and immediately after, round goby population expansion at two colonies, Pigeon and Snake Islands, in eastern Lake Ontario from 1999 to 2007. Cormorant diet was determined from the examination of 10,167 pellets collected over the nine-year period. By the second year round gobies were found in the diet (2002 at Snake Island and 2003 at Pigeon Island) they were the main species consumed by cormorants at each colony. The dominance of round goby in cormorant diets had a significant effect on both daily fish consumption and seasonal trends in fish consumption compared to the pre-goby years. Seasonal differences that were observed during the pre-goby years were lost once gobies became the main diet component of cormorants. The rapid switch to a benthic prey such as round goby, from a largely limnetic fish diet demonstrates the adaptive foraging ability of cormorants. Round goby may act as a buffer for yellow perch and smallmouth bass, two sport fish impacted by cormorant predation in eastern Lake Ontario.     

Size-selective predation by round gobies (Neogobius melanostomus) on dreissenid mussels in the field

Although numerous studies have shown that round gobies (Neogobius melanostomus) prey on dreissenid mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and Dreissena bugensis), there is an apparent shortage of detailed field studies on the subject. The 5-month field study described here quantifies predation by round gobies on dreissenids in Presque Isle Bay, Lake Erie. Dreissenids dominated the diet of round gobies, composing 92% of the prey items recovered. Over half of the 3870 valves (1935 mussels) recovered from 155 round gobies were crushed, while the remainder were swallowed whole. Crushed dreissenids were larger than those swallowed whole, and the tendency to crush dreissenids did not vary among three length classes of round goby. Round goby length was positively related to average size of dreissenids consumed, average size of whole and crushed dreissenids, largest whole dreissenid consumed, and largest crushed dreissenid consumed. Indices of selectivity revealed similarly shaped curves for three length classes of round gobies, a shift toward larger dreissenid size classes with an increase in round goby length, and peak preferences for 8-11 mm dreissenids. Factors such as gape limitation, availability and accessibility of differently sized dreissenids, forces generated while removing mussels from the substrate and crushing them, and caloric content of dreissenids all likely play roles in the observed size-selectivity and differential processing of dreissenids. Although factors influencing size-selectivity are not completely understood, the observed preference of round gobies for dreissenids near the size when they are first reproductive could impact the demography of dreissenid populations.     

Density and habitat use by the round goby (Apollonia melanostoma) in the Bay of Quinte,Lake Ontario

We assessed round goby (Apollonia melanostoma) density and size structure in two sections of the Bay of Quinte (Lake Ontario) that had been invaded by this species two years apart. Round goby density was assessed with 50 m linear transects, recorded with an underwater video recording apparatus developed for this study that included a depth sounder for maintaining a fixed distance above the substrate. The highest mean round goby densities were observed in the shallowest depth zone (1.5–3 m) at both sites, but there were differences between the sites in the habitat types where the highest densities occurred and there were no significant density differences among habitat types at either site (rock with sparse vegetation, mud with sparse vegetation, sand/mud with moderate vegetation cover). In the upper bay, mean body length of round gobies declined with depth, whereas in the lower bay, mean round goby length was greatest in the deepest zone. Mean body length of round gobies did not differ significantly by habitat type in either section of the bay.     

Rapid response of the nearshore round goby population to temperature declines associated with upwelling events in Lake Ontario

Upwellings occur in all the Great Lakes in response to prolonged wind events. Several studies have modeled or measured changes in abiotic conditions associated with upwellings, but few direct observations of fish responses have been documented. Video-capture techniques were used in conjunction with moored temperature loggers to link the disappearance of benthic round gobies to temperature declines during upwelling events along the southern Lake Ontario nearshore in summer of 2019. Benthic water temperatures declined by as much as 18 °C within 18 h over as many as nine events. Round goby density estimates were as high as 50/m² prior to upwellings, but declined to as low as 0/m² during the events. Using just nine observation dates, ARMA trend analysis suggested a relationship between benthic temperature and round goby abundance (AIC = 78.7, t = 2.21, P = 0.063). Although the actual response of gobies to rapidly declining temperatures was unknown, this population was unobservable in our sample area during upwellings, yet returned to pre-upwelling densities within days. Understanding the magnitude and frequency of fish responses to these events can improve our understanding of the potential for this non-native benthic fish to affect the nearshore environment.     

Activity,Aggression, and Habitat Use of Ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus) and Round Goby (Apollonia melanostoma) under Laboratory Conditions

Potential negative ecological interactions between ruffe Gymnocephalus cernuus and round goby Apollonia melanostoma (formerly Neogobius melanostomus) might affect the colonization dynamics of these invasive species where they are sympatric in the Great Lakes. In order to determine the potential for ecological interactions between these species, we examined the activity, aggression, and habitat use of round gobies and ruffe in single species and mixed species laboratory experiments. Trials included conditions in which food was concentrated (in light or darkness) or scattered. Results showed that ruffe were more active than gobies, particularly when food was scattered. Activity of both species was significantly lower during darkness. Round gobies were significantly more aggressive than ruffe, and total aggression was lower in mixed species trials. Habitat use by ruffe and round gobies overlapped considerably, but we observed significant differences between species in their use of specific habitats that depended on experimental conditions. Overall, ruffe used open habitats more often than did round gobies, primarily when food was scattered. Round gobies used rocks significantly more frequently than did ruffe, but their use of rock habitat decreased during dark conditions. Ruffe were found more often in plant habitats and less often near the wall of the pool in trials during daylight with concentrated food. Activity and habitat use of ruffe and round goby did not significantly differ between single and mixed species trials. Overall, we found little evidence for negative ecological interactions between ruffe and round goby in these laboratory experiments.     

Round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) population structure,biomass, prey consumption and mortality from predation in the Bay of Quinte,Lake Ontario

We compared round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) population structure and biomass, estimated the quantity of prey consumed by round goby and assessed predation on round goby in two areas of the Bay of Quinte (upper and lower bay) that were invaded by this species two years apart. A bioenergetics approach was used to estimate round goby consumption and to illustrate the influence of changes in the round goby biomass, from May to October in both areas of the bay. Mean round goby biomass was 5 tonnes/km² for the upper bay and 11.2 tonnes/km² for the lower bay. Round goby populations were dominated by age-0 to age-2 individuals; older individuals were rare although they constituted a greater portion of total biomass in the earlier invaded lower bay than the upper bay. Estimated round goby consumption was 78.4 tonnes/km² for the upper bay and 127.1 tonnes/km² for the lower bay; dreissenids were the most important prey followed by chironomids, zooplankton and amphipods. Diet analysis showed that round gobies were consumed by all predator species analyzed, and constituted a high percentage of stomach content biomass in yellow perch (Perca flavescens), largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and northern pike (Esox lucius). Age structure differences between the upper and lower bay are consistent with those expected between expanding and stable populations.     

Comparison of thermal tolerance and standard metabolic rate of two Great Lakes invasive fish species

Round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) and western tubenose goby (Proterorhinus semilunaris) invaded the Laurentian Great Lakes at approximately the same time and area yet have shown substantial differences in their post-invasion success with more rapid establishment and development of much larger abundances of round goby populations throughout the invaded habitat. In this study, we compared differences in physiological performance (thermal tolerance and standard metabolic rate) between round and tubenose goby collected from the Huron-Erie corridor. Tubenose goby were observed to have lower thermal tolerance but exhibited similar standard metabolic rate across environmental temperatures compared to round goby. At temperatures exceeding 31 °C, tubenose goby demonstrated significantly higher mortalities and shorter times to death relative to round goby. The observed differences in thermal tolerance were consistent with differences in the native geographic ranges observed for each species at their southern ranges. The observed differences in physiological performance combined with species differences in other life history traits such body size, reproduction, feeding ecology and habitat affiliation may also explain differences in the invasiveness experienced by these two Great Lakes invasive fish including a greater ability of round gobies to occupy extreme habitats with large water temperature fluctuations.     

Re-engineering the eastern Lake Erie littoral food web: The trophic function of non-indigenous Ponto-Caspian species

The trophic roles of key Ponto-Caspian invaders (quagga mussels Dreissena bugensis, amphipods Echinogammarus ischnus and round goby Apollonia melanostomus) within the littoral food web of eastern Lake Erie were quantified using stable isotopes (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N). A dual stable isotope parameter search with a mass balance component was used to assess the isotopic importance of quagga mussels and amphipods as dietary items to two size classes of round goby. The utility of the mass balance simulation was also evaluated as a tool to approximate isotopic contributions of feasible prey and identify gaps incurred by “missing” prey items not included in the sampling. The mass balance dietary simulation, confirmed by stomach content data, indicated that isotopically important prey to small round goby (< 11.2 cm) were chironomids and Ponto-Caspian amphipods, while large round goby (≥ 11.2 cm) showed strong preference for quagga mussels. The dietary mass balance simulation output also supported the isotopic importance of round goby to the somatic growth of smallmouth bass, rock bass and freshwater drum. The isotopic mass balance output for yellow perch was more ambiguous, which may be in line with their known broadly omnivorous diet. The white bass output was in line with published data indicating increasing consumption of round goby for this species, while the brown trout output strongly favoured alewife isotopic contributions. However for white perch and walleye, the mass balance simulations were not in line with their known published diets in Lake Erie, probably due to a lack of key prey items in the sample set (e.g. zooplankton for white perch and shiner species for walleye). As expected, the Ponto-Caspian species have integrated themselves into the littoral food webs, and the “quagga mussel–round goby–smallmouth bass” food chain forms one of the key components within the trophodynamics of Lake Erie.     

Diel Vertical Migration of Round Goby Larvae in the Great Lakes

One hypothesis for the transcontinental and intra-Great Lakes basin transfer of round gobies (Neogobius melanostomus) has been that round gobies were pumped into the ballast water of ships. During June 2005 in Lake Erie, we obtained evidence of a vertical migration of round goby larvae, when we collected 167 round goby larvae in surface ichthyoplankton net tows at night and zero during day. These results complemented similar findings from the Muskegon River estuary of Lake Michigan during 2003 and 2004, documenting diel vertical migration for the first time in larval round gobies. We suggest vertical migration behavior may have allowed larval round gobies to be transported to and within the Great Lakes via ballast water and dispersed in the Great Lakes via advection of 6.5–8.5-mm long larvae at the surface. Based on our results, if ballast water was only taken on near the surface during daylight hours from May through September when larval round gobies were present, it would have mitigated the spread of round gobies throughout the Great Lakes.     

Salinity tolerance of the invasive round goby: Experimental implications for seawater ballast exchange and spread to North American estuaries

The Eurasian round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) invaded the freshwater North American Great Lakes in ~ 1990 via accidental introduction from ballast water discharge. Its genotypes in the Great Lakes traced to estuaries in the northern Black Sea, where the round goby flourishes in a variety of salinities to 22 parts per thousand (ppt). To prevent further introductions, U.S. and Canadian Coast Guard regulations now require that vessels exchange ballast water at sea before entering the Great Lakes. Since salinity tolerance of the invasive round goby population is poorly understood, we tested 230 laboratory-acclimated fish in three experimental scenarios: (1) rapid salinity increases (0–40 ppt), simulating ballast water exchange, (2) step-wise salinity increases, as during estuarine tidal fluxes or migration from fresh to saltwater, and (3) long-term survivorship and growth (to 4 months) at acclimated salinities. Almost all gobies survived experiments at 0–20 ppt, whereas none survived ≥ 30 ppt, and at 25 ppt only 15% withstood rapid changes and 30% survived step-wise increases. Ventilation frequencies were lowest at 10–15 ppt in step-wise experiments, in conditions that were near isotonic with fish internal plasma concentrations, reflecting lower energy expenditure for osmoregulation. Growth rates appeared greatest at 5–10 ppt, congruent with the larger sizes reached by gobies in Eurasian brackish waters. Thus, we predict that the Great Lakes round goby would thrive in brackish water estuaries along North American coasts, if introduced. However, oceanic salinities appear fatal to the invasive round goby, which likely cannot withstand complete seawater ballast exchanges or oceanic habitats.     

Metazoan Parasites of Introduced Round and Tubenose Gobies in the Great Lakes: Support for the “Enemy Release Hypothesis”

Recent invasion theory has hypothesized that newly established exotic species may initially be free of their native parasites, augmenting their population success. Others have hypothesized that invaders may introduce exotic parasites to native species and/or may become hosts to native parasites in their new habitats. Our study analyzed the parasites of two exotic Eurasian gobies that were detected in the Great Lakes in 1990: the round goby Apollonia melanostoma and the tubenose goby Proterorhinus semilunaris. We compared our results from the central region of their introduced ranges in Lakes Huron, St. Clair, and Erie with other studies in the Great Lakes over the past decade, as well as Eurasian native and nonindigenous habitats. Results showed that goby-specific metazoan parasites were absent in the Great Lakes, and all but one species were represented only as larvae, suggesting that adult parasites presently are poorly-adapted to the new gobies as hosts. Seven parasitic species are known to infest the tubenose goby in the Great Lakes, including our new finding of the acanthocephalan Southwellina hispida, and all are rare. We provide the first findings of four parasite species in the round goby and clarified two others, totaling 22 in the Great Lakes—with most being rare. In contrast, 72 round goby parasites occur in the Black Sea region. Trematodes are the most common parasitic group of the round goby in the Great Lakes, as in their native Black Sea range and Baltic Sea introduction. Holarctic trematode Diplostomum spathaceum larvae, which are one of two widely distributed species shared with Eurasia, were found in round goby eyes from all Great Lakes localities except Lake Huron proper. Our study and others reveal no overall increases in parasitism of the invasive gobies over the past decade after their establishment in the Great Lakes. In conclusion, the parasite “load” on the invasive gobies appears relatively low in comparison with their native habitats, lending support to the “enemy release hypothesis.”     

Ontogenetic changes in pharyngeal morphology correlate with a diet shift from arthropods to dreissenid mussels in round gobies (Neogobius melanostomus)

The potential of predators to regulate populations of dreissenid mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) has been addressed since early in the dreissenid invasion of North America. Round gobies (Neogobius melanostomus) larger than approximately 60 mm have been shown to prey extensively on dreissenids, whereas smaller round gobies feed mainly on aquatic insects and crustaceans. We propose that ontogenetic changes in pharyngeal morphology may contribute to this diet shift in round gobies. Pharyngeals of 69 round gobies ranging from 31 to 164 mm total length were investigated using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Areas of lower pharyngeals and pharyngobranchial 2 increased allometrically with fish length. Pharyngeals of round gobies smaller than 50 mm contained narrow (< 0.1 mm diameter) papilliform teeth that are consistent with eating soft-bodied prey. By the time round gobies reached approximately 80 mm in length, pharyngeals contained larger diameter (0.3-0.5 mm) molariform teeth typical of those found in molluscivorous fish. Pharyngeal teeth of the largest round gobies also showed considerable wear. Although changes in pharyngeal morphology may contribute to the previously described diet shift in round gobies as they age, genetic and environmental factors both likely influence pharyngeal remodeling and therefore merit further investigation.     

How Non-native Species in Lake Erie Influence Trophic Transfer of Mercury and Lead to Top Predators

Lake Erie's food web has been dramatically modified by exotic species. Both exotic dreissenid mussels and the round goby Neogobius melanastomus have shifted the food web from a pelagicbased to a benthic-based one, potentially creating a new pathway for contaminant transfer to top predators. Before the invasion of round gobies, few predators of dreissenids occurred in Lake Erie, allowing contaminants to be confined to these benthic organisms. The invasion of the round goby has produced a new pathway through which these contaminants can enter the food web. To characterize heavy-metal transfer through this new food web and to assess risk to humans, water, surficial sediment, dreissenid, round goby, and smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieui samples were collected at three sites during summers, 2002 and 2003, and analyzed for total lead (Pb), total mercury (Hg), and methyl mercury (MeHg). In addition, we compared smallmouth bass Pb and Hg concentrations to those measured in 1993/1994, before round gobies were prevalent. Pb biodiminished and MeHg biomagnified through the food web to smallmouth bass; patterns were similar among our three sites. Total Pb concentrations in smallmouth bass were higher before the incorporation of round gobies into their diet. We attributed this decline to changes in food web structure, changes in contaminant burdens in prey, or declines in sediment Pb concentrations in Lake Erie. By comparison, Hg concentrations in smallmouth bass changed little, before and after the round goby invasion, possibly due to a shift in diet that increased growth. Despite a decline in sediment Hg concentrations in Lake Erie, smallmouth bass continued to accumulate Hg at historical rates possibly because of their high consumption rates of benthivorous round gobies. As smallmouth bass continue to consume round gobies during their lives, their Hg concentrations may well continue to increase, potentially increasing the risk of Hg contamination to humans.     

Occurrence and Food Habits of the Round Goby in the Profundal Zone of Southwestern Lake Ontario

Little is known about the ecology of round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), an invasive benthic fish, in the profundal zone of the Great Lakes. In April 2002–2005 we caught increasing numbers of round gobies with a bottom trawl in the 45–150 m depth range of southwestern Lake Ontario. In 2005, we examined gut contents of 30 round gobies from each of three depths, 55, 95, and 130 m, and qualitatively compared gut contents with density of benthic invertebrates determined by Ponar grabs. Round goby guts contained mostly Dreissena spp. and opposum shrimp, Mysis relicta (Mysis); the frequency of occurrence of dreissenids in guts decreased with depth, whereas the frequency of occurrence of Mysis in guts increased with depth. Abundance of these invertebrates in the environment followed the same pattern, although dreissenids of optimum edible size (3–12 mm) were still abundant (1,373/m²) at 130 m, where round gobies primarily consumed Mysis, suggesting that round gobies may switch from dreissenids to more profitable prey when it is available. Other food items were ostracods and fish, with ostracods generally eaten by smaller round gobies and fish eaten by larger round gobies. Occurrence and increasing abundance of round gobies in the profundal zone and predation on Mysis by round goby could have far-reaching consequences for the Lake Ontario fish community.     

Impacts of the Introduced Round Goby (Apollonia melanostoma) on Dreissenids (Dreissena polymorpha and Dreissena bugensis) and on Macroinvertebrate Community between 2003 and 2006 in the Littoral Zone of Green Bay,Lake Michigan

We show that the invasion of round gobies (Apollonia melanostoma) in Green Bay, Lake Michigan, has changed the benthic food web in fundamental ways related to their impact on invasive dreissenid mussels. Dreissenid mussels are of specific interest because they are one of the primary dietary items for round gobies. In this study, we collected rocks from each of 10 study sites along approximately 60 km of the eastern shoreline of Green Bay, Lake Michigan, to assess a temporal change in macroinvertebrate abundance related to the northward movement of the round goby invasion front from a point about midway along the shoreline in 2003 to the entire coast in 2006. The pattern of macroinvertebrate abundance in 2003 suggested that round gobies had already caused significant decreases in macroinvertebrate abundances south of the invasion front (interpretation of the data could have been compromised by confounding environmental gradients). In subsequent sampling in 2006 macroinvertebrates were picked off of sampled rocks in the field and underwater transects were videotaped to estimate round goby abundance at each site. Round gobies were collected for stomach analysis to assist in determining which invertebrates would likely be impacted by goby predation. Our results indicated that by 2006, round gobies had become abundant at those sites where they were absent in 2003 and zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis), isopods, amphipods, trichopterans, and gastropods in the newly invaded sites had significantly decreased at the newly invaded sites.     

Round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) and native fishes as potential nest predators of centrarchid species in the upper St. Lawrence River

Widespread invasion of Round Goby (Neogobius melanostomus) throughout the Great Lakes has raised concerns regarding increased egg predation on fish species. To better understand nest predation, we examined nesting habitat selected by three upper St. Lawrence River Centrarchid species and the predator assemblage at nests during the 2011 and 2012 egg incubation and larval periods. Following removal of guarding males by angling, 5-min observations were used to identify and enumerate predators at rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris; n = 81), pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus; n = 80), and smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu; n = 40) nests. Differences in nesting habitat among centrarchids corresponded with differences in nest predator assemblages along a gradient defined primarily by depth and substrate. Pumpkinseed nests in shallow depths with soft substrate were visited principally by minnow spp., but few round goby. Smallmouth bass nests at greater depth with hard substrates were frequented nearly exclusively by round goby, while rock bass nests at intermediate depth with a mix of hard and soft substrates were visited by round goby and yellow perch (Perca flavescens). Rock bass nests had a higher predator burden than pumpkinseed nests in 2011, but no differences were observed among centrarchid species in 2012. Round goby were a major component of the predators at rock bass and smallmouth bass nests. However, predation burden imposed by yellow perch was higher than round goby at rock bass nests. We conclude nesting habitat selection influences native and non-native egg predator assemblages, but whether round goby predation is additive or compensatory remains unclear.     

Two decades since first invasion: Revisiting round goby impacts on nearshore aquatic communities in the Upper St. Lawrence River

Time Since Invasion (TSI) at invaded sites is an important factor that can moderate invasive species abundances and their ecological impacts on resident communities, and yet it remains rarely addressed by invasion studies. We revisit the ecological impacts of round goby invasion in the Upper St. Lawrence River (Canada) on macroinvertebrate and fish communities, by taking into consideration the effects of TSI since initial invasion 20 years ago. Our objectives were to: 1) test the effect of TSI and invasion status on round goby abundance, and 2) investigate the effects of TSI, invasion status, and round goby abundance on macroinvertebrate and fish communities. Round goby abundance displayed a strong positive relationship with TSI. Environmental conditions, especially substrate and water conductivity were found to reduce round goby TSI and characterize uninvaded sites and >12 years TSI sites. However, we detected first potential signals of a reduction in round goby abundance at sites with TSI of 17–19 years compared with sites having 13–16 years TSI which had similar environmental conditions. Nonetheless, round gobies continued to have enduring impacts on total macroinvertebrate diversity, even at sites with TSI of 17–19 years, likely as a result of ongoing predation. This observation was supported by a negative association of round goby TSI on the abundance of dominant macroinvertebrate taxa at sampling sites in the Upper St Lawrence River, as well as dietary stomach content data. The fish community was less sensitive to round goby TSI than macroinvertebrate communities.     

Association between the Catches of Round Gobies and Smallmouth Bass on the Upper Niagara River

We wanted to confirm the presence of round gobies (Neogobius melanostomus) in the upper Niagara River and determine if there was a negative association between the catches of round gobies and smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu). Our approach was to compare the catch rates of round gobies and smallmouth bass by anglers based on their method of fishing (from boat or from shore) and the fish they sought (anything or black bass). During 2003, both boat anglers and shore anglers caught round gobies in the upper Niagara River. The catch rates of round gobies and smallmouth bass for shore anglers who sought anything were positively and significantly correlated (r = 0 .081, P < 0.001). The catch rates of round gobies and smallmouth bass for shore anglers who sought black bass were negatively and significantly correlated (r = 0.141, P < 0.005). Correlations were not done using the catch rates of round gobies and smallmouth bass by boat anglers because they caught so few round gobies. Our results suggest that round gobies did not disrupt fishing for smallmouth bass on the upper Niagara River during 2003 if disruption is defined exclusively by the association between catch rates of smallmouth bass and round gobies. However, catching round gobies did lead to angler perceptions of poor fishing quality.     

Impacts of predation by the Eurasian round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) on molluscs in the upper St. Lawrence River

An invasive Eurasian fish, the round goby Neogobius melanostomus, has recently spread from the Great Lakes into the St. Lawrence River. We quantified prey preferences of this benthivore and determined whether its predatory impacts on molluscs in the river are similar to those in the Great Lakes. We measured the size structure of gastropods and dreissenid mussels at 13 St. Lawrence River sites where round goby densities ranged from 0 to 6 m^− 2. For four of these sites, data were available for multiple years before and after invasion. Contrary to studies in the Great Lakes, there were no consistent effects of round goby density on the size structure of dreissenids, although there was an ontogenetic diet shift toward dreissenids. However, the abundance and richness of small gastropods (≤ 14 mm) was negatively correlated with round goby density across all sites, and declined over time at three of four sites sampled before and after invasion. Median gastropod size also declined across sites with increasing round goby density. Gastropods (as well as chironomid larvae, caddisfly larvae, and ostracods) were consistently among the most preferred prey items consumed by gobies, whereas dreissenids (as well as leeches and freshwater mites) were consistently avoided. These results indicate the major role of the round goby in structuring gastropod populations in the St. Lawrence River, and highlight large-scale spatial variation in its predatory impact on dreissenid populations.