Trends in phytoplankton, zooplankton, and macroinvertebrates in saginaw bay rrelative to zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) colonization: A generalized linear model approach

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2013

Abstract

© 2014 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. We quantify temporal and spatial trends in densities of main taxonomic groups of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and benthic macroinvertebrates relative to the colonization of Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron, by zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) in 1990-1996. We used data from bay-wide surveys and generalized linear models (GLMs). Mussels were first found in 1991, peaked in 1992, and declined to stable levels in 1993 at stations with hard substrates where they were most abundant. Annual trends in phytoplankton and zooplankton were negatively correlated with zebra mussel trends at different time lags. Most phytoplankton taxa declined within three years of mussel colonization, with disappearance of photosensitive cyanophytes in the first year of colonization. All phytoplankton taxa tended to recover within 5 years except for cyanophytes and chlorophytes. Diatom annual densities were least affected, but species composition changed. Major zooplankton groups declined after 1 year of mussel colonization. Cyclopoids and cladocerans exhibited lowest densities in 1993, and calanoids and rotifers continued to decline through 1996. Spatial distributions of both plankton groups were fairly homogeneous and remained stable despite changes in densities and patchy mussel distributions. Responses of macroinvertebrate taxa depended on their life history, mobility, and spatial proximity to mussel colonies. Most taxa except for Gammarus and Diporeia were most abundant in silt and silty-sand substrate in the inner bay where mussel densities were lowest. Oligochaetes declined between 1991 and 1993 but then increased after 1994, chironomids showed no strong patterns but tended to increase after 1992, sphaeriids decreased in the inner bay after 1991, Gammarus increased between 1991 and 1993, and Diporeia declined after 1991. Our results highlight the importance of prompt analysis of monitoring data collected during the initial-colonization period. Such data can then provide information to optimize survey design during ongoing assessments of zebra mussel impacts.

Publication Title

Quagga and Zebra Mussels: Biology, Impacts, and Control, Second Edition

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