Distribution of Macrobenthic Species in Lake Ontario in Relation to Sources of Pollution and Sediment Parameters

Bottom samples were collected in Lake Ontario during the International Field Year for the Great Lakes (IFYGL) in November 1972. Samples were collected in triplicate at 55 stations located throughout the lake.Sand prevailed at the shallow areas but silt dominated the intermediate and deep-water areas. Total carbon and total Kjeldahl nitrogen content of the sediment increased with increased depth, but no trend was evident in the total phosphorus content.Oligochaetes and the amphipod Pontoporeia affinis accounted for 92% of all organisms collected. The former group dominated the shallow areas while the latter dominated the intermediate and deep-water zones. Stylodrilus heringianus and Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri were the most widely distributed species, being collected at 51 of the 55 stations.Several approaches were used to evaluate trophic conditions in the lake - the indicator species approach, the oligochaete-density index, a modified “Goodnight-Whitley” index, and the Brinkhurst % L. hoffmeisteri index. The indicator species approach proved to be the most sensitive index because inconsistencies arose when the other indices were applied.The most obviously eutrophic areas were near the mouth of the Niagara River and off Toronto. These areas were characterized by high oligochaete densities dominated by either L. hoffmeisteri or T. tubifex. Mesotrophic conditions were evident along the southern shoreline from the mouth of the Niagara River to Rochester, New York.Stylodrilus heringianus, L. hoffmeisteri, T. tubifex, and P. affinis were significantly related to some of the measured sediment parameters in either the intermediate or deep-water areas.     

Assessment of trophic state and water quality of coastal-inland lakes based on Fuzzy Inference System

Accurate assessment and monitoring of coastal and inland water quality by satellite optical remote sensing is challenging due to improper atmospheric correction algorithm, inaccurate quantification of in-water constituents' concentration and a lack of efficient models to predict the water quality status. The present study aims to address the latter two parts in conjugation with an appropriate atmospheric correction algorithm to assess trophic status and water quality conditions of two coastal lagoons using Landsat-8 OLI data. Three vital underwater light attenuating factors, directly related to water quality, are considered namely, turbidity, chlorophyll and colored dissolved organic matter (a_CDOM). These water quality parameters are quantified based on certain sensitive normalised water-leaving radiance band ratios and threshold values. To assess the accuracy of the derived products, these algorithms were applied to independent in-situ data and statistical evaluation of the results showed good agreement between the estimated and measured values with the errors within desirable limits. Being a primary nutrient indicator, the chlorophyll concentration was used to evaluate Trophic State Index. The Water Quality Index was derived from three parameters namely, chlorophyll concentration, turbidity and a_CDOM(443) which were expressed in terms of Trophic State Index, Turbidity Index and Humic-Fulvic Index, respectively. The Water Quality Index maps, derived using a Fuzzy Inference System based on the Centre of Gravity method, provided insights into spatial structures and temporal variability of water quality conditions of the coastal lagoons which are influenced by anthropogenic factors, hydrographic changes and land-ocean-atmospheric interaction processes.     

Great Lakes coastal fish habitat classification and assessment

Basin-scale assessment of fish habitat in Great Lakes coastal ecosystems would increase our ability to prioritize fish habitat management and restoration actions. As a first step in this direction, we identified key habitat factors associated with highest probability of occurrence for several societally and ecologically important coastal fish species as well as community metrics, using data from the Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat Framework (GLAHF), Great Lakes Environmental Indicators (GLEI) and Coastal Wetland Monitoring Program (CWMP). Secondly, we assessed whether species-specific habitat was threatened by watershed-level anthropogenic stressors. In the southern Great Lakes, key habitat factors for determining presence/absence of several species of coastal fish were chlorophyll concentrations, turbidity, and wave height, whereas in the northern ecoprovince temperature was the major habitat driver for most of the species modeled. Habitat factors best explaining fish richness and diversity were bottom slope and chlorophyll a. These models could likely be further improved with addition of high-resolution submerged macrophyte complexity data which are currently unavailable at the basin-wide scale. Proportion of invasive species was correlated primarily with increasing maximum observed inorganic turbidity and chlorophyll a. We also demonstrate that preferred habitat for several coastal species and high-diversity areas overlap with areas of high watershed stress. Great Lakes coastal wetland fish are a large contributor to ecosystem services as well as commercial and recreational fishery harvest, and scalable basin-wide habitat models developed in this study may be useful for informing management actions targeting specific species or overall coastal fish biodiversity.     

Trophic Status of Southeastern Lake Michigan Based on the Chironomidae (Diptera)

Chironomids and oligochaetes were identified from a total of 2,432 samples collected at depths <42 m over a 9-year period in southeastern Lake Michigan. Each of 13 chironomid taxa was assigned a trophic indicator status based on density trends among samples characterized by oligochaete trophic indices in the ranges < 0.50 (Type 0), 0.50–1.50 (Type 1), and >1.50 (Type 2). A trophic index based on the chironomid fauna was generated for year, depth intervals, and combinations of years and depths. When averaged over all years, the trophic index at the 8- to 24-m depth interval was 1.26, indicating mesotrophic conditions in this portion of the littoral and sublittoral of southeastern Lake Michigan. Similarly, at depths >28 m the trophic index value was 0.41, suggesting oligotrophic conditions in the profundal. No annual trophic status trends were evident.     

Assessment of eutrophication and phytoplankton community impairment in the Buffalo River Area of Concern

A “weight of evidence” approach was used to assess trophic status and phytoplankton community characteristics as a step towards delisting beneficial use impairments in the Buffalo River Area of Concern (AOC). Using a combination of historical data and results of a sampling program conducted in 2006, trophic status was evaluated by considering threshold levels of total phosphorus and chlorophyll a, total phytoplankton abundance, reference-reach comparisons of total phosphorus and nitrate + nitrite, and an ecoregion (percentile) analysis. Microcystin toxin levels were used as an indicator of the presence of undesirable algae. Phytoplankton community characteristics were assessed through consideration of species richness, Shannon–Weaver Index of Diversity, presence of indicator species, centric:pennate diatom ratio, the Trophic Diatom Index (TDI), and the Pollution Tolerance Index (PTI). The weight of evidence suggests that the Buffalo River AOC does not have a eutrophication problem, but nutrient levels are sufficiently high to recommend further implementation of watershed Best Management Practices and continued water quality monitoring. Microcystin was present in all samples but at a level below the World Health Organization guidelines; based on this indicator we conclude that the AOC does not have a problem with undesirable algae. The phytoplankton community exhibits some anthropogenic impact as reflected by the TDI, PTI, and presence of certain indicator species, but these impacts do not indicate extreme stress. Based on the weight of evidence the Buffalo River Remedial Advisory Committee recently concluded that the AOC was not impaired in terms of eutrophication, presence of undesirable algae, and degradation of phytoplankton.     

Lakes of Malaysia: Water quality,eutrophication and management

The present study was undertaken to evaluate and verify the water quality status and trophic state of 15 major lakes and reservoirs in Malaysia. The lake water quality assessments were based on the National Water Quality Index (NWQI), while the trophic state assessments were based on Carlson's Trophic State Index (TSI). The findings of this water quality assessment, based on data collected between September and October 2012, indicated that a majority of the lakes were classified as Class II (Clean) waters suitable for recreational use. The results of the trophic state assessments, however, indicated that all of the lakes were eutrophic, meaning they were nutrient‐rich, they could experience algae blooms or macrophyte problems, and they were likely to exhibit poor water quality. Sustainable management measures and strategies are suggested to address the eutrophication problems of Malaysian lakes and reservoirs, with the national responses on lake and reservoir management also being discussed.     

Feeding ecology of Limnocalanus macrurus in the Laurentian Great Lakes

The zooplankton communities of several Laurentian Great Lakes have shifted toward greater biomass of calanoid copepods, particularly Limnocalanus macrurus, since the 1990s. Limnocalanus is an omnivore that feeds on large phytoplankton cells, ciliates, rotifers, and small crustacean zooplankton, especially copepod nauplii, and it may be an increasingly important zooplanktivore in these systems. Although there is previous research examining Limnocalanus predation rates on nauplii, we do not know if the presence of phytoplankton affects predation rates. Our initial experiments confirmed Limnocalanus preference for nauplii over small copepodites. Additional experiments showed that Limnocalanus feeding rates on nauplii decreased by 50% at the highest phytoplankton concentrations tested. Limnocalanus fed more on the larger algae tested (Cryptomonas, Cryptophyta, 40 µm) than on the smaller taxa (Scenedesmus, Chlorophyta, 10 µm). We used stable isotope analysis to infer Limnocalanus trophic position in the five Laurentian Great Lakes by comparing Limnocalanus with simultaneously captured Leptodiaptomus sicilis, another calanoid copepod known to feed on phytoplankton and microzooplankton. This analysis showed Limnocalanus at higher trophic positions in the more oligotrophic lakes Huron, Michigan, and Superior than in lakes Ontario and Erie. Summer Limnocalanus trophic position was inversely related to both the site-specific concentration of algae in the deep chlorophyll layer and a trophic state index based on spring chlorophyll and total phosphorus. Our results indicate that predation by Limnocalanus on zooplankton depends on lake algal abundance, and that feeding rates on nauplii by an individual Limnocalanus adult are likely higher in the more oligotrophic lakes.     

Gastric evacuation rate,index of fullness,and daily ration of Lake Michigan slimy (Cottus cognatus) and deepwater sculpin (Myoxocephalus thompsonii)

Accurate estimates of fish consumption are required to understand trophic interactions and facilitate ecosystem-based fishery management. Despite their importance within the food-web, no method currently exists to estimate daily consumption for Great Lakes slimy (Cottus cognatus) and deepwater sculpin (Myoxocephalus thompsonii). We conducted experiments to estimate gastric evacuation (GEVAC) and collected field data from Lake Michigan to estimate index of fullness [(g prey/g fish weight)100%) to determine daily ration for water temperatures ranging 2–5 °C, coinciding with the winter and early spring season. Exponential GEVAC rates equaled 0.0115/h for slimy sculpin and 0.0147/h for deepwater sculpin, and did not vary between 2.7 °C and 5.1 °C for either species or between prey types (Mysis relicta and fish eggs) for slimy sculpin. Index of fullness varied with fish size, and averaged 1.93% and 1.85% for slimy and deepwater sculpins, respectively. Maximum index of fullness was generally higher (except for the smallest sizes) for both species in 2009–2010 than in 1976 despite reductions in a primary prey, Diporeia spp. Predictive daily ration equations were derived as a function of fish dry weight. Estimates of daily consumption ranged from 0.2 to 0.8% of their body weight, which was within the low range of estimates from other species at comparably low water temperatures. These results provide a tool to estimate the consumptive demand of sculpins which will improve our understanding of benthic offshore food webs and aid in management and restoration of these native species in the Great Lakes.     

Status and Trends of Benthic Populations in a Coastal Drowned River Mouth Lake of Lake Michigan

Muskegon Lake was designated an Area of Concern because of severe environmental impairments from direct discharge of industrial and municipal wastes. Since diversion of all municipal and industrial wastewater in 1973, few studies have assessed ecological changes associated with improved water quality. We examined distributions and long-term changes in the benthic macroinvertebrate community at 27 sites. Distributions were evaluated relative to distance from the river mouth, water depth, grain size, and known areas of sediment contamination. Temporal changes were assessed relative to wastewater diversion. Oligochaeta and Chironomidae dominated the community, and the oligochaete trophic condition index indicated that, in 1999, the lake was generally mesotrophic to eutrophic. Cluster analysis resulted in four distinct site groupings. A cluster of sites near the river mouth had the highest total density (9,375 m⁻²) and lowest diversity (Shannon Weaver Index 1.05) suggesting an enriched habitat. A site cluster in the south central region had the lowest oligochaete density (2,782 m⁻²), lowest oligochaete trophic condition index scores (1.00), and highest diversity (2.24), suggesting the best habitat. The chironomid community in this site cluster was dominated by predatory species, possibly resulting from high concentrations of heavy metals at some sites. Densities of all major taxonomic groups increased significantly between 1972 and 1999. Decreasing proportions of oligochaetes (0.85 to 0.68) and increasing diversity suggest improved environmental conditions over this period. Evidence suggests that changes in Muskegon Lake's benthic community were more a result of wastewater diversion than Dreissena invasion.     

A band-ratio algorithm for retrieving open-lake chlorophyll values from satellite observations of the Great Lakes

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO) has collected water quality data from the five Great Lakes annually since 1993. We used the GLNPO observations made since 2002 along with coincident measurements made by the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS) and the Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) to develop a new band-ratio algorithm for estimating chlorophyll concentrations in the Great Lakes from satellite observations. The new algorithm is based on a third-order polynomial model using the same maximum band ratios employed in the standard NASA algorithms (OC4 for SeaWiFS and OC3M for MODIS). The sensor-specific coefficients for the new algorithm were obtained by fitting the relationship to several hundred matched field and satellite observations. Although there are some seasonal variations in some lakes, the relationship between the observed chlorophyll values and those modeled using the new coefficients is fairly stable from lake to lake and across years. The accuracy of the satellite chlorophyll estimates derived from the new algorithm was improved substantially relative both to the standard NASA retrievals and to previously published algorithms tuned to individual lakes. Monte-Carlo fits to randomly selected subsets of the observations allowed us to estimate the uncertainty associated with the retrievals purely as a function of the satellite data. Our results provide, for the first time, a single simple band ratio method for retrieving chlorophyll concentrations in the offshore “open” waters of the Great Lakes from satellite observations.     

Dreissenid mussels from the Great Lakes contain elevated thiaminase activity

We examined thiaminase activity in dreissenid mussels collected at different depths and seasons, and from various locations in Lakes Michigan, Ontario, and Huron. Here we present evidence that two dreissenid mussel species (Dreissena bugensis and D. polymorpha) contain thiaminase activity that is 5–100 fold greater than observed in Great Lakes fishes. Thiaminase activity in zebra mussels ranged from 10,600 to 47,900 pmol g^− 1·min^− 1 and activities in quagga mussels ranged from 19,500 to 223,800 pmol g^− 1·min^− 1. Activity in the mussels was greatest in spring, less in summer, and least in fall. Additionally, we observed greater thiaminase activity in dreissenid mussels collected at shallow depths compared to mussels collected at deeper depths. Dreissenids constitute a significant and previously unknown pool of thiaminase in the Great Lakes food web compared to other known sources of this thiamine (vitamin B₁)-degrading enzyme. Thiaminase in forage fish of the Great Lakes has been causally linked to thiamine deficiency in salmonines. We currently do not know whether linkages exist between thiaminase activities observed in dreissenids and the thiaminase activities in higher trophic levels of the Great Lakes food web. However, the extreme thiaminase activities observed in dreissenids from the Great Lakes may represent a serious unanticipated negative effect of these exotic species on Great Lakes ecosystems.     

Contrasting phenotypic variation among river and lake caught cisco from Great Slave Lake: Evidence for dwarf and large morphs

Coregonids are among a wide array of northern freshwater fishes that have received attention in evolutionary studies as they show phenotypic and life history variation. This intraspecific divergence is commonly manifested as dwarf and large morphs. We assessed and contrasted cisco (Coregonus artedi) in the Great Slave Lake (Northwest Territories, Canada) basin from adfluvial versus lacustrine life histories. Using conventional geometric and linear morphometric methods in conjunction with other phenotypic and life history attributes, we tested the hypothesis that the cisco in the two different environments constituted a dwarf and large species pair. River populations were sampled and compared to lacustrine from Great Slave Lake. Cluster analysis provided the strongest evidence for two phenotypic groups and these two clusters generally characterized lake and river caught cisco based on assignment success from multivariate analyses. The river form was smaller, had a more fusiform body shape, anteriorly positioned paired fins. Larger cisco showed smaller gill rakers spacing indicating that this morph may be feeding at a lower trophic level. Comparisons within river spawning groups showed that the same life history type was present in multiple rivers suggesting that human exploitation was not driving the observed life history. This study provides preliminary evidence that C. artedi exists as a species pair in Great Slave Lake. Moreover, this study adds to a growing wealth of research suggesting that the level of coregonine diversity in Great Slave Lake may rival that of the Laurentian Great Lakes prior to stock collapses.     

Nearshore fish assemblage dynamics in southern Lake Michigan: 1984–2016

Many coastal ecosystems, including those of the Laurentian Great Lakes, suffer from various natural and anthropogenic stressors. Given that multiple stressors often concomitantly impact ecosystems, it may be difficult to disentangle which stressors are most influential. Upper trophic level communities, such as fish assemblages, can provide insights to the influence of diverse stressors as they may integrate cumulative effects over the long-term and also reflect responses of lower trophic levels. We used multivariate analyses and assemblage indices to investigate long-term (1984–2016) patterns in a nearshore fish assemblage indexed via annual trawling in the Indiana waters of southern Lake Michigan. Based on observations from other regions of the Great Lakes, we expected that oligotrophication, due to reduced nutrient loading and filtering by invasive mussels, would have a strong influence on the fish assemblage. However, we were unsure if the very nearshore fish assemblage would track observed decreased production patterns in offshore Lake Michigan or if observed increased primary production in the very nearshore would affect the fish assemblage. Consistent with the former expectation, overall abundance and richness of the assemblage declined over time. However, contrary to observations in other regions there was no overall evidence of species tolerant to more eutrophic conditions being replaced by more sensitive species. Moreover, there was limited evidence of the fish assemblage shifting towards species more tolerant of warm water, as might be expected with climate change. While increased numbers of invasive species added species to the system, overall species richness and native species richness declined.     

The benthic community of the Laurentian Great Lakes: Analysis of spatial gradients and temporal trends from 1998 to 2014

We used the results of seventeen years of Great Lakes benthic monitoring conducted by the U.S. EPA's Great Lakes National Program Office to describe the spatial and temporal patterns of benthic communities, assess their status, trends, and main drivers, and to infer the potential impact of these community changes on ecosystem functioning. Benthic abundance and diversity were higher at shallow (<70?m in depth) stations with chlorophyll concentrations above 3?μg/L than at deeper sites (<1?μg/L). We infer that lake productivity, measured by chlorophyll was likely the major driver of benthic abundance and diversity across lakes. Consequently, benthic diversity and abundance were the highest in the most productive Lake Erie, followed by lakes Ontario, Michigan, Huron, and Superior. Multivariate analysis distinguished three major communities shared among lakes (littoral, sublittoral, and profundal) that differed in species composition and abundance, functional group diversity, and tolerance to organic pollution. Analysis of temporal trends revealed that the largest changes occurred in profundal communities, apparent in significant shifts in dominant taxa across all lakes except Lake Superior. In lakes Michigan, Huron, and Ontario, the former dominant Diporeia was replaced with Dreissena and Oligochaeta. Profundal species, with the exception of dreissenids, became less abundant, and their depth distribution has shifted. In contrast, density and diversity of native littoral and sublittoral communities increased. The invasion of dreissenids was among the most important drivers of changes in benthic communities. Continued monitoring is critical for tracking unprecedented changes occurring in the Great Lakes ecosystem.     

The Present Status of Research on the Zooplankton and Zoobenthos of the Great Lakes

A brief evaluation of the present status of knowledge concerning the basic ecology of the zooplankton and zoobenthos of the Great Lakes is presented by considering (1) the species of invertebrates that occur in the Great Lakes, (2) how these species are distributed in space and time, and (3) the factors that cause the observed distributions. It is concluded that we are well along at describing what invertebrates occur in the lakes, but there are still major gaps in our knowledge. Regarding distribution, there is now a good data base for describing the distributions of a number of the most important species, but in most cases the results from separate surveys have not been pulled together to develop generalizations with broad application throughout the Great Lakes. Finally, understanding concerning the control of distributions of Great Lakes invertebrates is still at a rudimentary stage, even though such understanding is a basic requirement for evaluating natural and man-induced changes or potential changes in these ecosystems.     

Satellite ocean color algorithms: A review of applications to the Great Lakes

We review the literature dealing with retrievals of chlorophyll concentrations in the Great Lakes from satellite observations. Most studies show that the satellite estimates of chlorophyll concentrations are linearly related to the observed concentrations, though they tend to overestimate concentrations at lower values and underestimate them at higher values. Deviations from a consistent, accurate, linear relationship can be attributed to temporal and spatial variations in the inherent optical properties of the color producing agents in the water as well as to varying concentrations of non-algal substances that interfere with the retrievals. We confirmed these results by using a simple optical model to examine the sensitivity of the retrieved chlorophyll values to the concentrations of interfering substances and to differences in model parameters. Because the spatial and temporal optical properties of the Great Lakes are unpredictable, no retrieval method is likely to produce accurate results all the time. The papers we reviewed show that simple band ratio algorithms can provide chlorophyll estimates that are proportional to in situ concentrations. The published literature suggests that the band ratio methods will be of most value in regions where the concentrations of non-algal interfering substances are minimal. Because of these limitations we recommend that future papers presenting chlorophyll analysis based on satellite data provide confirming field observations that include measurements of chlorophyll, suspended particles and dissolved organic carbon. We also recommend that Great Lakes scientists explore novel methods for retrieving chlorophyll concentrations from satellite observations that have proven useful in other optically complex waters.     

A Systematic,Quantitative, and Ecological Comparison of Melosira Islandica O. Müll. with M. Granulata (EHR.) Ralfs from the Laurentian Great Lakes

Melosira granulata and M. islandica occur sympatrically in the Laurentian Great Lakes, but maximum population abundance of the two species occurs at opposite ends of the range of seasonal and trophic conditions found in the system. Both species are polymorphic, but are distinguishable on the basis of a number of morphological characteristics. Their distribution and the range of morphologic variation encountered in populations from the Great Lakes is summarized and discussed. Although ranges in size and computed cell volumes of populations of the two species overlap, there are significant differences in cellular composition. Cells of M. islandica contain a much larger fraction of living cytoplasm and cell wall material than cells of M. granulata.     

Tree-Structured Modeling of the Relationship Between Great Lakes Ice Cover and Atmospheric Circulation Patterns

Seasonal maximum ice concentration (percentage of lake surface covered by ice) for the entire Laurentian Great Lakes and for each Great Lake separately is modeled using atmospheric teleconnection indices. Two methods, Linear Regression (LR) and Classification and Regression Trees (CART), are used to develop empirical models of the interannual variations of maximum ice cover. Thirty-four winter seasons between 1963 and 1998 and nine teleconnection indices were used in the analysis. The ice cover characteristics were different for each Great Lake. The ice cover data lent itself better to CART analysis, because CART does not require a priori assumptions about data distributions characteristics to perform well. The stepwise LR models needed more variables, and in general, did not explain as much of the variance as the CART models. Two variables, the Multivariate ENSO index and Tropical/Northern Hemisphere index, explained much of the interannual variations in ice cover in the CART models. Composite atmospheric circulation patterns for threshold values of these two indices were found to be associated with above-and below-normal ice cover in the Great Lakes. Thus, CART also provided insight into physical mechanisms (atmospheric circulation characteristics) underlying the statistical relationships identified in the models.     

Oligochaete Fauna of Western Lake Erie 1961 and 1982: Signs of Sediment Quality Recovery

The oligochaete fauna at 40 stations in western Lake Erie were collected in 1982 and compared to oligochaete fauna collected similarly in 1961. A total of 34 taxa, representing 18 Tubificidae and 16 Naididae, were identified. Changes in the proportions of low, moderate, and heavy polluted sediments, as determined by ranges of total numbers of oligochaetes, indicate that, in general, heavy pollution substantially decreased near shore and moderate pollution increased and low pollution decreased in open waters over the 21-year comparison. The most common taxon, the eutrophic species, Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri, decreased in abundance in open water, indicating decreased eutrophication, whereas the distribution and abundance of other indicator taxa, including the eutrophic species L. maumeensis, L. cervix, Quistadrilus multisetosus multisetosus, and mesotrophic species Ilyodrilus templetoni and three species of Aulodrilus indicate increased eutrophication in open water. In general, oligochaete trophic indices (based on tubificid species and abundances) in traditional area designations used in 1961, the nearshore designation (<3.5 km from shore), and areas defined by cluster analysis confirm results of less eutrophic substrates near shore. However, traditional analysis indicates that low pollution was replaced by moderate pollution in open waters and cluster analysis indicates that the zone of least detectable pollution increased in open waters over the 21-year comparison. It may be that the open waters of western Lake Erie were in a stage of transition between pollution designations when sampled in 1982. The present study is valuable because it provides a baseline to assess environmental changes observed in western Lake Erie after many years of pollution abatement programs and before the exponential increase in densities of the trophic shifting zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha.