Please Note: This Research Opportunity is only available for the February 1 deadline.

We are examining the role of non-indigenous species and other stressors on structure and function of pelagic and benthic food webs in the Great Lakes. Current research emphasizes Lakes Michigan and Huron, where we have active field and experimental programs. Current research emphasizes spatial distribution, feeding, and ecosystem impacts of the predatory cercopagids (Bythotrepehes, Cercopagis) as well as feeding mechanisms, nutrient recycling, and ecosystem level impacts of dreissenid mussels. Work with mussels emphasizes their role in promotion of harmful or nuisance algal blooms inshore and their role in reengineering nutrient cycling, light climate, and spatial structure of the pelagic food web inshore and offshore. Pelagic field observations are determining spatial distribution of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fishes with plankton survey systems and acoustics as they are affected by such variables as changing light climate and non-indigenous species. A lot of questions remain as to interaction of dreissenids with the microbial food web, recycling of P in biodeposits, and interactions with other benthos.

References

Pichlova-Ptacníkova R, Vanderploeg, HA: Biological Invasions 13: 2595, 2011

Vanderploeg HA, et al: Journal of Great Lakes Resesarch (Supplement 3): 50, 2010