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The Areal And Vertical Distribution Of "Cladophora Glomerata" In Western Lake Erie And Its Interaction With The Zebra Mussel ("Dreissena Polymorpha")
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1993
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Series: OHSU-TB ; 087
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Description:Historically the growth of the attached, filamentous green alga "Cladophora glomerata" in western Lake Erie has been limited by the availability of hard substrate and sufficient light for colonization. The introduction of the exotic zebra mussel ("Dreissena polymorpha") into western Lake Erie has impacted both of these limiting factors. Since both organisms require similar substrate for colonization the interaction/competition between the species is potentially great. The introduction of the filter-feeding zebra mussel has resulted in improved water clarity thus increasing light penetration and potentially expanding the vertical distribution of benthic algae. Field surveys were conducted to determine the areal and vertical distribution of "Cladophora" during the peak biomass period using SCUBA in the early 1980's, prior to the zebra mussel invasion. The surveys sites were revisited in 1992 to determine if changes had occurred in the distribution of "Cladophora" and to investigate the interaction of "Cladophora" and zebra mussels on bedrock habitat. The study's primary results was that an increase in water clarity has not resulted in extending the vertical distribution of "Cladophora" due to competition for substrate with zebra mussels. "Cladophora" dominated the area from the splash zone down to approximately 1.5 m where competition for substrate began with zebra mussels. The bedrock lake bottom was generally dominated by zebra mussels at depth's greater than 2 m even though adequate light levels were available for "Cladophora" colonization.
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Sea Grant Document Number:OHSU-T-93-002
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Rights Information:Public Domain
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