Rapid food web recovery in response to removal of an introduced apex predator

2006 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 569-575 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesse M Lepak ◽  
Clifford E Kraft ◽  
Brian C Weidel
Keyword(s):  
Food Web ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Fish Community ◽  
Lake Trout ◽  
Trophic Position ◽  
Fish Communities ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Smallmouth Bass ◽  
Native Fish ◽  
Apex Predator

Non-native species have increased extinction rates, decreased diversity, altered organism distributions, and constrained ecosystem functioning in native aquatic and terrestrial communities. Although widespread fish introductions have dramatically altered fish communities in north temperate lakes, restoration of native fish communities has been rarely accomplished. This study evaluated a native fish community restoration using a stable isotope based metric. Stable isotopes from a native apex predator (lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush)) were used to measure food web changes following removal of a dominant non-native apex predator (smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu)). Prior to bass removal, lake trout consumed primarily invertebrates. Within 2 years of the initiation of an experimental removal effort, lake trout δ13C values (–25.9‰ to –24.9‰) and trophic position (3.5–3.9) increased, reflecting a switch to prey fish consumption that was supported by stomach contents analyses. Here, we show the rapid reestablishment of food web linkages within a native fish community in response to changes in principal energy sources and trophic position of a native apex predator along with the ability to quantify the extent of these changes.

Trophic transfer of flame retardants (PBDEs) in the food web of Lake Erie

2015 ◽  
Vol 72 (12) ◽  
pp. 1886-1896 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alicia Pérez-Fuentetaja ◽  
Susan A. Mackintosh ◽  
Lisa R. Zimmerman ◽  
Mark D. Clapsadl ◽  
Mehran Alaee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Web ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Lake Erie ◽  
Lake Trout ◽  
Smallmouth Bass ◽  
Steelhead Trout ◽  
Rainbow Smelt ◽  
Dreissenid Mussels ◽  
Round Gobies

We studied the occurrence, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in a mixed food web of native and non-native species in Lake Erie. Non-native species were found at the basal level of the web (dreissenid mussels), at the intermediate level (round gobies, rainbow smelt), and at the top predator rung (steelhead trout). Mean concentrations of total PBDEs in biota (wet mass) ranged from 1.03 ng·g–1 in dreissenid mussels to 31.5 ng·g–1 in walleye. Large piscivores (smallmouth bass, steelhead trout, walleye, and lake trout) had PBDE concentrations three to seven times higher than prey fish (emerald shiners, round gobies, rainbow smelt, and yellow perch). Walleye had the highest concentration of PBDEs among all of the fish species analyzed. BDE 47 was the dominant congener found in biota. Biomagnification factors (corrected for trophic level) indicated that total PBDEs were biomagnified in three fish species: rainbow smelt, smallmouth bass, and steelhead trout. Overall, BDEs 47 and 100 had the highest level of trophic magnification (TMF) from invertebrates to top predators. For fish species, the highest TMF was for BDEs 47 and 49+71. We found that dreissenid mussels and round gobies had the lowest PBDE contamination of the organisms analyzed; however, other non-native prey species such as rainbow smelt contributed significantly to the biomagnification of PBDEs.

Long-term changes of the Lake Michigan fish community following the reduction of exotic alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus)

2006 ◽  
Vol 63 (11) ◽  
pp. 2434-2446 ◽  
Author(s):  
David B Bunnell ◽  
Charles P Madenjian ◽  
Randall M Claramunt
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Fish Community ◽  
Lake Michigan ◽  
Lake Trout ◽  
Native Fish ◽  
Trawl Survey ◽  
Alosa Pseudoharengus ◽  
Exotic Fish

We used our long-term annual bottom trawl survey (1973–2004) in Lake Michigan to reveal the response of the native fish community to the biological control of a dominant exotic fish, alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), as well as to changes in total phosphorus and salmonine biomass. Through nonmetric multidimensional scaling, we documented a 1970s community largely dominated by alewife, and then a shift to a community dominated by several native species during the 1980s through 1990s, when alewife remained at relatively low levels. We argue that the recovery of burbot (Lota lota), deepwater sculpin (Myoxocephalus thompsonii), and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) was partially or fully aided by the alewife reduction. We argue that changes in phosphorus or salmonines were not directly related to abundance increases of native species. An additional community shift occurred during 1999–2004, which coincided with a reduction in species richness and total fish biomass in our trawl. The mechanisms underlying this latest shift may be related to reductions in nutrients, but further research is required. The restoration of the native fish community has been incomplete, however, as emerald shiner (Notropis atherinioides), cisco (Coregonus artedii), and lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) have yet to demonstrate recovery.

Fish community change in Lake Superior, 1970–2000

2003 ◽  
Vol 60 (12) ◽  
pp. 1552-1574 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles R Bronte ◽  
Mark P Ebener ◽  
Donald R Schreiner ◽  
David S DeVault ◽  
Michael M Petzold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Great Lakes ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Fish Community ◽  
Lake Trout ◽  
Community Change ◽  
Osmerus Mordax ◽  
Rainbow Smelt ◽  
Additional Species ◽  
Community Agencies ◽  
Natural Reproduction

Changes in Lake Superior's fish community are reviewed from 1970 to 2000. Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) and lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) stocks have increased substantially and may be approaching ancestral states. Lake herring (Coregonus artedi) have also recovered, but under sporadic recruitment. Contaminant levels have declined and are in equilibrium with inputs, but toxaphene levels are higher than in all other Great Lakes. Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) control, harvest limits, and stocking fostered recoveries of lake trout and allowed establishment of small nonnative salmonine populations. Natural reproduction supports most salmonine populations, therefore further stocking is not required. Nonnative salmonines will likely remain minor components of the fish community. Forage biomass has shifted from exotic rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) to native species, and high predation may prevent their recovery. Introductions of exotics have increased and threaten the recovering fish community. Agencies have little influence on the abundance of forage fish or the major predator, siscowet lake trout, and must now focus on habitat protection and enhancement in nearshore areas and prevent additional species introductions to further restoration. Persistence of Lake Superior's native deepwater species is in contrast to other Great Lakes where restoration will be difficult in the absence of these ecologically important fishes.

scholarly journals INTERAKSI TROFIK KOMUNITAS IKAN DI DANAU MATANO, SULAWESI SELATAN PASCA BERKEMBANGNYA IKAN ASING INVASIF

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 117
Author(s):  
Dimas Angga Hedianto ◽  
Agus Arifin Sentosa
Keyword(s):  
Fish Species ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Fish Community ◽  
Feeding Strategy ◽  
Food Resources ◽  
Native Fish ◽  
Natural Food ◽  
Lake Matano ◽  
Alien Fish ◽  
Alien Fish Species

Interaksi trofik pasca masuknya ikan introduksi ataupun ikan asing invasif merupakan dasar untuk mengkaji tekanan ekologis terhadap ikan asli. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis interaksi trofik komunitas ikan pasca berkembangnya jenis-jenis ikan asing invasif di Danau Matano, Sulawesi Selatan. Ikan contoh diperoleh dari hasil tangkapan jaring insang percobaan, jala lempar, dan seser pada Mei, Oktober, dan November 2015 serta Februari, Juli, dan September 2016. Analisis ekologi trofik yang dilakukan meliputi indeks bagian terbesar, tingkat trofik, luas relung dan tumpang tindih relung makanan, serta pola strategi makan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan komunitas ikan yang tertangkap di Danau Matano terdiri atas 9 famili, 11 genera, dan 17 spesies. Ikan louhan mendominasi komunitas ikan di Danau Matano sebesar 53,62%. Makanan alami yang banyak dimanfaatkan oleh sejumlah ikan dalam komunitas adalah insekta (Diptera), Gastropoda (Tylomelania sp.), dan larva insekta (Chironomidae). Kelompok trofik komunitas ikan di Danau Matano terdiri atas detritivora, herbivora, insektivora, zoobentivora, dan piscivora. Masuknya ikan introduksi memunculkan kelompok trofik baru (detritivora dan herbivora). Ikan introduksi cenderung memiliki luas relung makanan yang lebih bervariasi. Kompetisi terhadap makanan alami kategori moderat banyak terjadi antara ikan asli dengan louhan. Strategi pola makan ikan asli di Danau Matano cenderung bersifat spesialis, sedangkan ikan introduksi memiliki strategi pola makan yang lebih bervariasi dan oportunistik. Ikan louhan sebagai ikan introduksi dominan yang bersifat invasif mampu memanfaatkan seluruh sumber daya makanan alami yang tersedia dan menempati tingkat trofik tertinggi di Danau Matano. Tekanan ekologi terhadap ikan asli oleh ikan asing invasif di Danau Matano terjadi karena adanya kompetisi terhadap makanan alami.Trophic interactions post-develpment of non-native fish or invasive alien fish species are the basis knowledge for assessing and preventing the ecological pressure on native fish. This research aims to analyze the trophic interactions of fish community post-development of invasive alien fish species in Lake Matano, South Sulawesi. Fish samples were obtained from the catch of experimental gill nets, cast nets, and push nets in May, October, and November 2015 along with February, July, and September 2016. Trophic ecological analysis carried out included index of preponderance, trophic level, niche breadth and niche overlap of natural food, and feeding strategy. The fish community caught in Lake Matano consists of 9 families, 11 genera, and 17 species. Flowerhorn cichlid dominates the fish community in Lake Matano by 53.62%. Natural foods that are widely used by a number of fish in the community are Insecta (Diptera), Gastropods (Tylomelania sp.), and larvae of Insecta (Chironomidae). The guild trophic of fish community in Lake Matano consists of detritivores, herbivores, insectivores, zoobentivores, and piscivores. The introduction of non-native species bring up to new guilds (detritivores and herbivores). Non-native fishes tends to have a variety niche breadth. Moderate competition for natural food resources between native fish and flowerhorn cichlid is quite high. Feeding strategy of native species in Lake Matano tend to be specialist, while non-natives species have more variety and opportunistic. Flowerhorn cichlid as dominant invasive alien fish species is able to utilize all natural food resources and occupies the highest trophic level in Lake Matano. Ecological pressure on native fish by invasive alien fish species in Lake Matano occurs due to competition in obtaining natural food resources.

A stable isotope evaluation of the structure and spatial heterogeneity of a Lake Superior food web

2000 ◽  
Vol 57 (7) ◽  
pp. 1395-1403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris J Harvey ◽  
James F Kitchell
Keyword(s):  
Stable Isotope ◽  
Spatial Heterogeneity ◽  
Food Web ◽  
Lake Trout ◽  
Trophic Position ◽  
Lake Superior ◽  
Salvelinus Namaycush ◽  
Trophic Relationships ◽  
Rainbow Smelt ◽  
Western Lake

We used stable isotope analysis to derive trophic relationships and movement patterns for components of the western Lake Superior food web. Trophic linkages implied by previous gut content studies were only marginally supported by stable isotope data. Siscowet lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush siscowet) were the top predators, and trophic overlap between siscowet and lean lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) was low. Exotic Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) occupied a lower trophic position than native piscivores because the latter relied more on coregonids. To evaluate spatial heterogeneity of the food web, we assumed that the adjacent cities of Duluth and Superior (DS) were a point source of 15N, and we measured isotopes of organisms close to and far from DS. Slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus) were enriched in the DS area relative to other sites, implying that they are relatively sedentary. Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) showed no differences at any sites, implying high vagility. Other organisms showed differences that could not be attributed to DS, implying that other mechanisms, such as trophic ontogeny, were influencing their isotopic signatures.

scholarly journals Food Web Analysis of Jordanelle Reservoir, Utah, USA: Where Do All the Rainbows Go?

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-35
Author(s):  
Joshua A. Verde ◽  
Mark C. Belk
Keyword(s):  
Rainbow Trout ◽  
Stable Isotope ◽  
Food Web ◽  
Brown Trout ◽  
Salmo Trutta ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Fish Community ◽  
Isotope Analysis ◽  
Smallmouth Bass ◽  
Food Web Structure

Background: Reservoir communities in the intermountain west are typically dominated by a mix of introduced fishes. Due to the non-coevolved interactions present in these communities, energy flow and trophic interactions may not facilitate optimal growth and survival for all species. It is difficult to predict how well each species will survive in such novel communities. One such community is in Jordanelle Reservoir in northern Utah, USA. Recently, low survival and recruitment of stocked rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss) have been observed in Jordanelle Reservoir. Objective: We characterize the food web structure of the fish community in Jordanelle reservoir to infer competitive or predatory interactions that might lead to a poor return of stocked rainbow trout. Methods: We performed a stable isotope analysis on the fish community in Jordanelle Reservoir and carried out niche space analyses using the software package Stable Isotope Bayesian Ellipse (SIBER) in R. Results: Small rainbow trout exhibit high competitive overlap with brown trout (Salmo trutta), smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), and yellow perch (Perca flavescens). In addition, large brown trout and large smallmouth bass may feed heavily on small rainbow trout. Conclusion: Food web analysis suggests that rainbow trout encounter a highly competitive and potentially high predation environment in Jordanelle reservoir, leading to observed low return rates.

scholarly journals Increasing Establishment of Non-native Fish Species in the Seine River Basin: Insights From Medium- and Long-Term Approaches

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jérôme Belliard ◽  
Sarah Beslagic ◽  
Julien Boucault ◽  
Amandine Zahm
Keyword(s):  
River Basin ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Fish Communities ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Native Fish ◽  
13Th Century ◽  
Seine River ◽  
Basin Scale ◽  
Seine River Basin

The spread of non-native species is nowadays recognized as a major threat to the biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems. However, for a very long time the introduction and acclimatization of new species has been perceived mainly as a source of wealth for human societies. Here, we examined the establishment of non-native fish species in the Seine River basin from a historical perspective by adopting a twofold approach. In a first step, at the whole basin scale, considering various written and archeological sources, we traced the chronology, over the last millennium, of the establishments of non-native species. In a second step, by analyzing fish monitoring from several hundred sites covering the diversity of rivers and streams, we examined the changes in numbers and abundance of non-native species in local fish communities over the last three decades. The first documented species introduction dates back to the 13th century but it is from the middle of the 19th century that the introduction attempts accelerated. Today, these introductions have reached an unprecedented level and 46% of the species recorded in the basin are non-native. During the last three decades, non-native species have continued to increase within fish communities both in terms of number of species and abundance of individuals. The most pronounced increases are noted on large rivers and sites where anthropic pressures are strong. Waterways connecting European basins, globalization of trade, and ongoing climate change provide a general background suggesting that the increase in the proportion of non-native species in the fish communities of the Seine River basin is likely to continue for several decades.

Using ratios of stable nitrogen and carbon isotopes to characterize the biomagnification of DDE, mirex, and PCB in a Lake Ontario pelagic food web

1995 ◽  
Vol 52 (12) ◽  
pp. 2660-2674 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard M. Kiriluk ◽  
Mark R. Servos ◽  
D. Michael Whittle ◽  
Gilbert Cabana ◽  
Joseph B. Rasmussen
Keyword(s):  
Stable Isotopes ◽  
Food Web ◽  
Trophic Status ◽  
Lake Trout ◽  
Trophic Position ◽  
Lake Ontario ◽  
Osmerus Mordax ◽  
Rainbow Smelt ◽  
Slimy Sculpin ◽  
Pelagic Food Web

Stable isotopes of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) were used to describe the trophic status and interactions of biota characteristic of a Lake Ontario pelagic food web. Stable isotopes of nitrogen were further used to characterize the relationship between an organism's trophic position and the biomagnification of specific hydrophobic contaminants through this food web. The δ15N defines the relative trophic status as (i) the top predator, lake trout (Saivelinus namaycush); (ii) prey species, alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax), and slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus); (iii) macroinvertebrates, mysids (Mysis relicta), and amphipods (Diporeia hoyi); (iv) net zooplankton, dominated by cyclopoids (Diacyclops thomasi) and cladocerans (Bosmina longirostris); and (v) net phytoplankton, dominated by diatoms (Melosira spp.). The separation of the four fish species, lake trout and associated prey items (alewife, rainbow smelt, and slimy sculpin), on the basis of their mean δ13C signatures complements what is known about the preferred diet of these fishes. The enrichment of 15N through this food web indicates that there is a strong correlation between the biomagnification of persistent lipophilic contaminants (p,p′-DDE, mirex, and PCB) and the relative trophic status of an organism as described by stable isotopes of nitrogen.

scholarly journals Novel trophic interaction between lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) and non-native species in an altered food web

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric L. Bruestle ◽  
Curtis Karboski ◽  
Anna Hussey ◽  
Aaron T. Fisk ◽  
Knut Mehler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stable Isotope ◽  
Food Web ◽  
Stable Isotope Analysis ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Trophic Position ◽  
Isotope Analysis ◽  
Round Goby ◽  
Lake Sturgeon ◽  
Acipenser Fulvescens ◽  
Niagara River

Lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) were once abundantly distributed throughout the Laurentian Great Lakes. However, widespread overharvesting and habitat degradation has diminished their numbers. The lower Niagara River contains one of the few remnant lake sturgeon populations in New York State. This study determined the diet of adult lake sturgeon and quantified their trophic position in a food web dominated by non-native species. Stomach content analysis assessed recent diet, and stable isotope analysis (δ15N and δ13C) of blood and fin tissue quantified trophic position and carbon source over varying time scales. Two non-native species dominated the diet of lake sturgeon — the amphipod Echinogammarus ischnus (62% by number) and the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) (44% by mass). Stable isotope analysis revealed that round goby was the primary contributor to the long-term (i.e., fin) average diet, whereas short-term (i.e., blood) diet was more diverse. In contrast with findings from other systems, we found that adult lake sturgeon in the lower Niagara River were primarily piscivorous, actively targeting live fish prey. The recovery of this population is potentially supported by the high availability of energetically rich but non-native food resources.

Long-term food web change in Lake Superior

2009 ◽  
Vol 66 (12) ◽  
pp. 2118-2129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie N. Schmidt ◽  
M. Jake Vander Zanden ◽  
James F. Kitchell
Keyword(s):  
Stable Isotope ◽  
Great Lakes ◽  
Food Web ◽  
Stable Isotope Analysis ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Trophic Position ◽  
Lake Superior ◽  
Isotope Analysis ◽  
Food Web Structure

Restoration and rehabilitation of native species in the Laurentian Great Lakes is a priority for fisheries management agencies. Restoration efforts are increasingly incorporating a perspective that considers species within a broader food web context. We used stable isotope analysis and museum-preserved specimens to describe and quantify 100 years of food web changes in the Lake Superior fish community. We validated stable isotope analysis of museum specimens by showing a positive correlation between isotope- and diet-based estimates of trophic position. While introductions have created a more trophically diverse food web than historically found in Lake Superior, two separate metrics revealed little community-wide change in the food web. Our species-specific analysis revealed trophic niche differences between shortjaw ( Coregonus zenithicus ) and shortnose ( Coregonus reighardi ) ciscoes, two species previously argued to be indistinguishable based on morphological characteristics. By providing a historical context, our findings show the ability of the Lake Superior food web to accommodate non-native species introductions over the last century while still supporting native species populations. This long-term information about food web structure can help guide management and restoration goals in Lake Superior. Furthermore, Lake Superior can serve as a basis for comparing food web changes in other, more highly altered Great Lakes.

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