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Results for “Hydrobiologia”

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At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
USGS2022

The cost of avoiding predators: A bioenergetic analysis of diel vertical migration by the opossum shrimp Mysis diluviana

The freshwater opossum shrimp Mysis diluviana can undergo extensive diel vertical migration (DVM) to feed in shallow, prey rich strata at night. Bright moonlight limits their night-time migration presumably due to predator avoidance. Using a linked, foraging-bioenergetics model, we evaluated the cost of avoiding predators by simulating the effects of prey density, water temperature, and light intensity on daily feeding and growth of M. diluviana in Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho, USA. We found that when mysid distribution was not limited by moonlight intensity, simulated food consumption (10.3 J day −1 ) increased 1.6-fold compared to estimated consumption (6.1 J day −1 ) based on their observed, vertical distribution. Moreover, simulated growth of mysids (0.61 mg day −1 ) increased 74% compared to that estimated from observed distribution patterns (0.35 mg day −1 ), when they were located in deeper, darker strata. Given recent insights into partial DVM by M. diluviana , we note that proximate factors associated with predator avoidance in pelagic (light availability) and benthic (hunger level, body size and reproductive status) habitats may convey complimentary benefits to M. diluviana fitness by reducing predation mortality and increasing metabolic efficiency.

Idaho↗
USGS2022

A suction pump sampler for invertebrate drift detects exceptionally high concentrations of small invertebrates that drift nets miss

Invertebrate drift is a key process in riverine ecosystems controlling aquatic invertebrate movement, distribution, and availability to fish as prey. However, accurately sampling drift across a wide range of invertebrate sizes is difficult because small invertebrates slip through coarse-mesh drift nets, and fine mesh clogs more easily, which reduces filtration efficiency and measurement accuracy. To avoid this limiting tradeoff, we developed a gas-powered drift pump which pours 20 m3/hour of river water through nested 80- and 750-m nets suspended in the air, and we tested it against a conventional 250-m drift net during low and high flows in a clearwater Alaskan river. The drift pump detected a geometric mean drift concentration of 467 invertebrates m-3 and maximum of 5637 m-3, eleven times the mean concentration of 42 m-3 from the drift net. Invertebrates  3 mm length, primarily chironomids, comprised the entire difference. Studies in which the drift of 0.5 – 3 mm invertebrates might be relevant, such as foraging models investigating the growth of juvenile drift-feeding fishes, should consider using similar methods to quantify small invertebrate drift, lest they underestimate it by an order of magnitude.

Alaska↗
USGS2022

Assessing methods for mitigating fungal contamination in freshwater mussel in vitro propagation

Many freshwater mussel species are critically imperiled, and propagation is essential for species ‘recovery.’ Fungal contamination can negatively affect in vitro propagation of freshwater mussels; thus, we investigated methods of mitigating fungal contamination. Specifically, we tested the effect of medium replacement frequency and antifungal (Amphotericin B) concentrations on risk of fungal contamination and transformation success of two species, Alasmidonta heterodon and congener, Alasmidonta undulata . We observed a trend of increased contamination risk in treatment groups that received medium replacements every 1 or 2 days (vs. every 3 days), but this trend was not statistically significant. We found that contamination risk differed significantly across Amphotericin B concentrations. Although contamination severity reduced transformation success, we found no significant difference in transformation success based on medium replacement frequency. Amphotericin B concentration was negatively correlated with transformation success, suggesting toxicity at higher concentrations. Additionally, we identified the fungal pathogen ( Candida parapsilosis ), the first knowledge of this fungus during mussel culture. Our findings suggest that low contamination results in high probability for transformation success; however, there is a tradeoff in higher concentrations of Amphotericin B. This study offers new ideas for improving mussel propagation techniques that may better control fungal contamination and increase transformation success.

Atlantic slope↗
USGS2022

The vegetation dynamics of the monsoonal wetland of the Keoladeo National Park, India: A reassessment

As a result of a field trip in 1980 to the monsoonal wetland of the Keoladeo National Park, India, which was organized by Dr. Brij Gopal, a study of the vegetation dynamics of this wetland was initiated. The original hypothesis for this study was that the seasonal vegetation changes caused by the annual summer monsoon was a compressed habitat cycle. Habitat cycles are a characteristic of prairie potholes in North America. Habitat cycles are the result of wet–dry cycles that last from 5 to 25 years during which the vegetation of a pothole changes from dense emergent vegetation (dry years) to open water with only submerged vegetation (wet years). In retrospect, our field studies were not consistent with our hypothesis. The increase in water level caused by the monsoon was not large enough to kill the emergent vegetation, as happens during prolonged high-water years in prairie potholes. However, both wetland types have significant seed banks that allow their plant species to survive adverse conditions. We now believe that the vegetation dynamics of monsoonal wetlands are best described as seasonal shifts between a wet marsh phase when the wetland is flooded and a dry grassland phase when it is not.

Keoladeo National Park↗
USGS2022

Seasonal variability in macroinvertebrate assemblages in paired perennial and intermittent streams in Costa Rica

Ecological effects of flooding and drying events are relatively understudied in the Neotropics and less is known about these hydrological extremes in intermittent streams. Neotropical headwater streams in Costa Rica provide opportunities to evaluate the response of macroinvertebrate communities to seasonal changes in flow regime in relatively human undisturbed systems. We quantified the effects of seasonal flow variation on aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblages (i.e., density, richness, and functional traits) within two headwater streams with differing hydrological regimes (i.e., intermittent versus perennial), in the Pacific North of Costa Rica. We sampled macroinvertebrates monthly over a year in riffle and pool habitats. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analyses indicated differences in macroinvertebrate taxonomic richness and density between the two streams and riffle and pool habitats. We found that macroinvertebrates in the intermittent stream riffles had significantly higher richness during the dry season. We also found higher macroinvertebrate functional trait richness in the intermittent stream riffle habitats during the dry season. Our results may be explained by life history traits related to stream velocity preference or tolerance, short life cycles that limit exposure to disturbances, and dispersal capacities and feeding mechanisms that are dependent on water movement.

Hydrobiologia↗
USGS2023

Assessment of three methods to evaluate the distribution of submersed aquatic vegetation in western Lake Erie

Submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) plays an important role in ecosystems. Inventories of SAV spatial distribution and composition are important for monitoring changes in SAV. In this study, we compared three common SAV sampling methods to quantify SAV in western Lake Erie. Aerial imagery of near-shore areas in western Lake Erie was classified using object-based image analysis (OBIA) and evaluated against field-based surveys using single-beam sonar or rake samples. To assess variation among methods, data were assigned either vegetation ‘presence’ or ‘absence’ and compared for simple correspondence and agreement (Cohen’s Kappa, κ ). The two field-based methods had the highest correspondence at 78% ( n = 782) and the highest κ = 0.545. Correspondence between OBIA and rake surveys was 69% ( n = 245) and κ = 0.36. Correspondence between OBIA and hydroacoustics was the lowest of 54% ( n = 30,768) with an agreement of κ = 0.17. Environmental factors such as water turbidity may have played a role in reduced agreement between OBIA and field methods. Determining the optimal method or combination of methods will depend upon research goals, effort, and cost, but each method can provide reliable SAV information for resource management.

Michigan, Ohio↗
USGS2023

Isotopic niche of New Jersey terrapins suggests intraspecific resource partitioning, and little variability following a major hurricane

Diamondback terrapins ( Malaclemys terrapin ) are sexually dimorphic generalist turtles that inhabit salt marshes and estuaries along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. On October 29th, 2012, Hurricane Sandy made landfall in New Jersey, USA, directly impacting terrapin populations inhabiting central and southern Barnegat Bay. To examine potential food web mediated impacts to the terrapin population and their foraging dynamics we examined carbon and nitrogen stable isotope values collected from terrapin tissues (2011, 2015, 2019) and resource taxa (2015, 2019) within Barnegat Bay. Isotopic analysis revealed that mature females had lower carbon and higher nitrogen values than immature females and males with almost no isotopic niche overlap, whereas males and immature females had statistically similar values with overlapping niches. Terrapins and resources collected from island habitats contained higher carbon and nitrogen values than those from mainland habitats, with little overlap in niche between habitats. There were no significant temporal variations detected in either carbon or nitrogen values from terrapins between years, or within each habitat pre- and post-Hurricane Sandy. These findings suggest long-term terrapin foraging dynamics have remained relatively stable, signifying resilience to disturbance events within the study site.

New Jersey↗
USGS2023

Can big data inform invasive dreissenid mussel risk assessments of habitat suitability?

Invasion risk assessments of habitat suitability provide insight on early detection effort allocation; however, sufficient data are rarely available to inform assessments. We explored tradeoffs of leveraging big data from the National Water Quality Portal (WQP), a standardized water quality database in the United States, to inform calcium- and pH-based risk assessments of invasive mussel ( Dreissena polymorpha and Dreissena rostriformis bugensis ) habitat suitability in the Pacific Northwest’s Columbia River Basin. We evaluated risk assessment sensitivity to alternative metrics of summarizing WQP data, tested if the large number of WQP observations resulted in accurate risk prediction of sites lacking WQP data, and characterized the spatial distribution of suitable habitat. Risk assessments were insensitive to how data were summarized at a site. Predictive accuracy was low when interpolating risk to sites lacking data. High-risk sites based on calcium clustered in two water basins, whereas high-risk sites based on pH were at similarly high frequencies. Finally, we found that data gaps still exist in the Columbia River Basin despite the large volumes of WQP data. We conclude that WQP-based risk assessments of habitat suitability could be considered as a starting place for estimating dreissenid invasion risk within an adaptive framework, rather than as a final solution.

Hydrobiologia↗
USGS2023

Evidence for the importance of invasive Dreissena veligers as a novel prey item for larval fish in Lake Huron

The establishment of invasive dreissenid mussels Dreissena polymorpha and Dreissena rostriformis bugensis in the Laurentian Great Lakes has affected multiple aspects of the ecosystem. However, the effects of their larvae (veligers) on lower trophic levels are relatively unknown. Previous research has documented that some larval fishes consume veligers, but it is unclear if they select for veligers. To assess the role of veligers in larval fish diets in Lake Huron, we examined the diets of larval burbot Lota lota , rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax , and Coregonus spp., mainly bloater Coregonus hoyi , sampled in July of 2017. Preference for available zooplankton prey was evaluated using Vanderploeg and Scavia’s E*. Results indicated that veligers were on average avoided by large larval burbot, rainbow smelt, and coregonines but were sometimes preferred by small (< 7 mm) and medium-sized (7–10 mm) larval burbot. A mixed model analyzing factors contributing to veliger preference by larval burbot indicated that greater environmental zooplankton prey size is associated with more positive preference for veligers. Thus, veligers may be important for gape-limited larval fish. We also found that, on average, larval burbot and coregonines consumed larger veligers than those sampled in the environment. Overall, consideration of larval fishes’ ability to exploit veligers could help managers to understand the role of dreissenid mussels in Great Lakes food webs.

Lake Huron↗
USGS2023

Invasive Brook Stickleback Culaea inconstans occurrence, habitat drivers, and spatial overlap with native fishes in Wyoming, USA

A central focus of modern fisheries management is eradicating invaders that threaten imperiled native fishes. However, vast landscapes and limited funding and personnel resources demand a prioritized approach to management. Brook Stickleback Culaea inconstans (Kirtland, 1840) is an aquatic invasive species in Wyoming, USA, that may pose a risk to native biodiversity. Our aim was to evaluate Brook Stickleback’s invasive potential in the North Platte River drainage. We updated the current distribution of Brook Stickleback, evaluated for possible range expansion, and determined landscape-level habitat drivers and occurrence potential for streams across the North Platte River drainage. Additionally, we examined Brook Stickleback’s spatial overlap with native nongame fishes. At the landscape scale, Brook Stickleback preferred low-gradient streams with moderate disturbance risk. Though we did not find evidence of current Brook Stickleback range expansion 61% of streams in the drainage have landscape-level environmental characteristics that are likely suitable for Brook Stickleback, creating potential for future expansion. Brook Stickleback overlapped spatially with 13 native nongame species, though spatial overlap was less common than expected for species with similar habitat preferences. Our work serves as a case study of the factors to consider when assessing a species’ invasive potential in a previously unstudied region.

Wyoming↗
USGS2024

Novel technique for suppressing an invasive apex predator minimally alters nitrogen dynamics in Yellowstone Lake, Wyoming, USA

Non-native species have invaded most ecosystems and methods are needed to manage them, especially in locations with sensitive species where they cannot be easily extirpated. Gillnetting for invasive lake trout [ Salvelinus namaycush (Walbaum, 1792)] in Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone National Park, USA began in 1995 and their carcasses are deposited into deep areas. This suppression method was recently supplemented by adding carcasses to shallow (< 20 m) spawning sites during the autumn spawning period to decrease dissolved oxygen through decomposition, suffocating lake trout embryos. We measured ammonium concentrations (shallow and deep sites), algal biomass, and ammonium uptake by phytoplankton and periphyton (shallow sites only) to investigate the degree to which carcasses caused bottom-up effects. Ammonium concentrations increased in autumn and were higher at deep sites than shallow sites. Algal biomass and ammonium uptake did not increase after adding carcasses, suggesting minimal effects. Periphyton biomass was 9 times higher than phytoplankton, but phytoplankton demanded 4.5 times more ammonium. Returning lake trout carcasses to deep areas of the lake may cause a second algal bloom. Assessing how novel management techniques alter the environment helps managers develop the most successful mitigation strategies that are effective without causing adverse effects to other portions of the ecosystem.

Wyoming↗
USGS2024

Decomposition rates appear stable despite elevated shrimp abundances following hurricanes in montane streams, Puerto Rico

Leaf litter decomposition is a key ecosystem process in headwater streams, influenced by physical fragmentation, microbial degradation and feeding activity by stream biota. In some tropical streams, feeding by freshwater shrimps can exert strong top-down control on leaf litter decomposition, however, variation in shrimp macroconsumer effects across small spatial scales or among years is not well-known. We ran 50-day macroconsumer exclusion experiments to measure shrimp effects on leaf decomposition in two adjacent headwater streams in Puerto Rico, in 2017 (immediately prior to two Category 4 and 5 hurricanes) and again in 2018 and 2019, to assess shrimp effects in the context of post-hurricane conditions that included reduced canopy cover and higher shrimp ( Atya and Xiphocaris ) counts. Leaf decomposition was faster when shrimp had access to leaf packs, but only in the study stream with larger pools, which also had higher overall shrimp counts. However, increased shrimp abundances following the hurricanes did not result in faster decomposition, potentially because shrimp diets shifted toward algae post-hurricanes when canopies were more open. We conclude that shrimp effects on leaf litter breakdown may vary between adjacent streams that differ in habitat conditions and that increasing local shrimp abundances may fail to accelerate decomposition.

Hydrobiologia↗
USGS2024

Change in growth and prey utilization for a native salmonid following invasion by an omnivorous minnow in an oligotrophic reservoir

Aquatic invasive species can affect food web structure, native fish growth, and production, depending on the traits of the invasive species and the pre-invasion conditions of the ecosystem. Thermal tolerances and behavioral traits can further influence differential exploitation of resources shared between native and invasive species. An unauthorized introduction of redside shiner ( Richardsonius balteatus ) into reservoirs in the Upper Skagit River, Washington, USA caused concern of potential competition, decreased production, and recruitment of rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ). We combined bioenergetics modeling and stable isotope analysis with field data to quantify consumption demand of native and invasive fishes and related consumption to the availability of key zooplankton prey. Per capita consumption on Daphnia by redside shiner was low; however, their high abundance imposed considerable demand on prey resources in Ross Lake. Although monthly consumption demand by the fish community was less than 50% of the monthly production and biomass of Daphnia in Ross Lake, the current Daphnia densities and growth of rainbow trout were considerably lower than before the invasion. These reductions correspond to lower annual consumption of Daphnia . Our study provides insight on mechanisms that influence food web impacts of an invasive omnivore in cold-water reservoirs.

Washington↗
USGS2024

The reach-scale biogeomorphic effect of submerged macrophytes on trout habitat suitability

Submerged macrophytes have complex effects on spatiotemporal characteristics of river ecosystems, including trout habitat. We investigated the impact of submerged macrophyte coverage on trout habitat in the Henrys Fork of the Snake River, Idaho, USA. We hypothesized that higher submerged macrophyte coverage would create new habitat types beneficial for trout growth. We assessed river physical and biotic attributes, trout habitat preferences, and estimated trout growth potential with bioenergetics models across a gradient of submerged macrophyte coverage (32–94%). We identified four distinct habitat types within the riverscape shaped by submerged macrophyte coverage. Increased submerged macrophyte coverage increased the frequency of habitat types with higher trout growth potential but reduced the occurrence of preferred habitat types. We observed no relationship between reach-scale trout growth potential and submerged macrophyte coverage. However, an outlier of very high trout growth potential at 94% submerged macrophyte coverage suggests a potential threshold effect. More study is required but our observations suggest macrophyte growth homogenized physical habitat characteristics, reduced flow velocities, and increased invertebrate drift, thereby enhancing trout growth potential. Our findings underscore the complex interplay between submerged macrophytes and trout habitat dynamics across scales, emphasizing the importance of considering both physical and biological effects on trout habitat.

Idaho↗
USGS2025

Responses of larval fish and zooplankton to whole-lake 2,4-D herbicide treatments used to control Eurasian watermilfoil in northern Wisconsin lakes

In North America, Eurasian watermilfoil Myriophyllum spicatum is one of the most widespread non-native aquatic plant species in freshwater ecosystems. Applications of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) herbicides are often utilized to control Eurasian watermilfoil. Herbicide applications may have unintended effects on non-target organisms like zooplankton and fish, but these effects are poorly understood. Our objectives were to determine if whole-lake 2,4-D herbicide treatments (epilimnetic target rate = 0.3 ppm) used to control Eurasian watermilfoil affected (1) density, diversity, and size of zooplankton and (2) density, diversity, and growth of larval fishes in three northern Wisconsin lakes when compared to trends observed in three untreated reference lakes. Average peak concentrations of 2,4-D following applications ranged from 0.152 to 0.257 ppm. We found no statistically significant evidence that the applications influenced the zooplankton and larval fish metrics we examined, but subtle responses to the herbicides may not have been detected given the inherent variation in our response metrics. Additional replication and research are needed to assess responses to higher concentrations and repeated applications over time and to document responses across a broader range of lake types and fish communities.

Wisconsin↗
USGS2025

Range-wide ecology, conservation, and research needs for yellow lampmussel (Lampsilis cariosa)

The freshwater mussel yellow lampmussel ( Lampsilis cariosa ) is declining throughout its range along the Atlantic Slope of the eastern United States and Canada, and the species is a target for proactive conservation to avoid federal listing. This paper synthesizes information about the ecology (physiology and life history, host fishes, and habitat), species distribution, genetics, and threats to L. cariosa . Identified threats include climate change, habitat alteration, and invasive species, dependent on location. We outline 16 emergent research and conservation management needs based on literature review and discussion with stakeholders (state and federal mussel biologists, researchers, and tribal groups). These needs range from research on the basic physiology and behavior of the species, to creating standardized protocols for surveys and DNA sampling, to ultimately developing a range-wide species conservation and restoration plan. Addressing these information gaps and incorporating the findings into future management may facilitate the implementation and success of large-scale restoration and conservation initiatives such as habitat protection and reintroduction of L. cariosa to historical locations.

Hydrobiologia↗
USGS2025

Do watershed conditions or local climate play a larger role in determining regional stream salamander distributions?

Anthropogenic influences like land use and climate variability interact with natural heterogeneity to influence the persistence of stream salamanders. Using occupancy modeling in the southern Appalachian Mountains, we investigated the influence of land use, climate, and physical context (e.g., drainage area, elevation) on stream salamander occupancy, noting species, and life stage specific responses. Our results illustrate that forest loss is a better predictor of salamander occupancy than physical context (elevation) or climate. Across the gradients in this dataset, precipitation did not have a significant influence on salamander occupancy, potentially due to the observed narrow, wet gradient. Temperature had little effect on Eurycea wilderae occupancy; however, temperature negatively affected adult but not larval Desmognathus amphileucus occupancy . Spatial thermal variability in this study was larger than projected increases due to climate change, suggesting that local mechanisms (e.g., behavior or physiological plasticity) may facilitate salamander resilience to climate change. However, the negative effects of forest loss coupled with rising temperatures (e.g., increased solar radiation, warmer stream runoff) underscore the importance of riparian forests in mitigating climate stressors. Preserving forest cover is critical for maintaining stream salamander populations and may offer opportunities for maintaining resilience in the face of additional stressors like rising temperatures or drought.

Georgia, North Carolina↗
USGS2025

Invasive species in the aquarium trade: Survey of attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge among US participants

Although the aquarium trade is an important pathway for direct and indirect non-native species introductions into freshwater systems, knowledge and attitudes of participants in the trade regarding alien species issues is largely undocumented. Therefore, we administered a survey to investigate attitudes and behaviors of aquarists and non-aquarists regarding the aquarium trade as a pathway for invasive species introductions. We hypothesized aquarists would be better educated on potential introductions than non-aquarists. Due to their engagement with organisms and replication of natural habitats, we also expected aquarists would exhibit more positive attitudes and behaviors toward the environment than non-aquarists. Most respondents seemingly understood the severity of invasive species problems, regardless of status as an aquarist. Aquarists thought the aquarium trade was less responsible for species introductions than non-aquarists and also felt more aware of laws regarding invasive species. However, over half of aquarists disposed of aquarium water down a drain in their house or directly into a nearby water body, which is a known mode of invasion. This information can inform further efforts to provide educational opportunities for participants in the non-native pet/aquarium trade, with the goal of enhancing protection efforts for native biodiversity.

Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, Missi↗