Predicting the effects of rainbow smelt on native fishes in small lakes: evidence from long-term research on two lakes

1998 ◽  
Vol 55 (6) ◽  
pp. 1364-1371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas R Hrabik ◽  
John J Magnuson ◽  
Ann S McLain
Keyword(s):  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Osmerus Mordax ◽  
Rainbow Smelt ◽  
Native Fishes ◽  
Coregonus Artedii ◽  
Thermal Preferences ◽  
Term Data ◽  
Temporal Overlap

We assessed predictability of negative interactions between native fishes and exotic rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) through field experiments and long-term data analysis for two lakes in Wisconsin. Predictions were made based on thermal preferences, diet characteristics, and published accounts of interactions between smelt and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and smelt and cisco (Coregonus artedii). Our results indicate predation is the most likely cause for the extirpation of cisco from Sparkling Lake in 1990. In Crystal Lake, native yellow perch experienced significant overlap in distribution and diet with smelt. The condition of adult perch was negatively correlated with smelt abundance indicating competition was occurring. Smelt feed on a wide size range of prey items making this species a threat to native fishes, especially when spatial overlap is high. Information on spatial and temporal overlap and diet enable useful predictions about the effect of smelt invasions on native fishes.

scholarly journals Long-term Changes in the Fish Assemblage in Sandybeach Lake, Northern Ontario, Following the Introduction of Rainbow Smelt (Osmerus mordax)

2017 ◽  
Vol 130 (4) ◽  
pp. 344
Author(s):  
Scott M Reid ◽  
Duncan B Wain
Keyword(s):  
Fish Assemblage ◽  
Pelagic Fish ◽  
Osmerus Mordax ◽  
Lake Whitefish ◽  
Rainbow Smelt ◽  
Northern Ontario ◽  
Gill Nets ◽  
Long Term Changes ◽  
Native Fishes

Rainbow Smelt (Osmerus mordax, Mitchill, 1814) has been widely introduced into lakes across North America and are reported to have an adverse effect on native fishes. In this study, we investigated the long-term changes to the pelagic fish assemblage in a northwestern Ontario lake (Sandybeach Lake) after Rainbow Smelt were introduced in the 1980s. We repeated an earlier summer, pelagic gill-netting survey of Sandybeach Lake and a nearby reference lake (Little Vermillion Lake) that does not contain Rainbow Smelt. Fishes throughout the water column were sampled with overnight sets of 5.2-m-deep, multi-mesh horizontal gill-nets. Compared with 1990 pelagic sampling, native fishes were significantly less abundant, less diverse, and largely absent from the deeper parts of Sandybeach Lake in 2012. Cisco (Coregonus artedi, Lesueur, 1818), Emerald Shiner (Notropis atherinoides Rafinesque, 1818), and Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis, Mitchill, 1814) were notably absent in 2012. In contrast, Rainbow Smelt remained abundant at all depths sampled. A small number of ciscoes — including Shortjaw Cisco (Coregonus zenithicus (Jordan and Evermann, 1909)) — and Lake Whitefish were captured from benthic gill-nets. Based on the lack of ciscoes in pelagic gill-nets, the very old ages (mean 30 years) of the few individuals captured in benthic gill-nets, and a severely skewed sex ratio, it is highly likely that ciscoes will be extirpated from Sandybeach Lake. Although the composition of the pelagic fish assemblage differed between years, Cisco was still abundant in Little Vermillion Lake with the presence of young individuals indicating ongoing recruitment.

Interspecific Relations among Fish Species in South Bay, Lake Huron, 1949–84

1987 ◽  
Vol 44 (S2) ◽  
pp. s10-s14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryan A. Henderson ◽  
F. E. J. Fry
Keyword(s):  
Fish Species ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Lake Trout ◽  
Lake Huron ◽  
Osmerus Mordax ◽  
Alosa Pseudoharengus ◽  
White Sucker ◽  
Lake Whitefish ◽  
Rainbow Smelt ◽  
Coregonus Artedii

Of the nine species caught in pound and gill nets in South Bay, Lake Huron (lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis), rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax), lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush), splake (S. namaycush × S. fontinalis), burbot (Lota lota), lake hering (Coregonus artedii), alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), white sucker (Catostomus commersoni), and yellow perch (Perca flavescens)), only yellow perch, white sucker, and lake whitefish were significantly related to the abundances of all other fish species (multiple regression) from 1965 to 1984. For the longer period (pound nets 1949–84), all but smelt, burbot, and white sucker were dependent upon variations in the abundance of the nine other species. For the same period (1965–84) and species (nine), the abundances only of yellow perch and white suckers were significantly and positively related in two basins of the Bay. None of the inverse correlations between species abundances was significant in both basins. Within the Outer Basin, only the correlations between alewife and lake herring (r = −0.49, r = −0.45) and yellow perch and white sucker (r = +0.55, r = +0.47) were significant in the same direction for both time periods (1949–64 and 1965–84, respectively). We concluded that there was little evidence that the abundances of species were affected significantly by interspecific influences.

scholarly journals Hypoxia’s impact on pelagic fish populations in Lake Erie: a tale of two planktivores

2020 ◽  
Vol 77 (7) ◽  
pp. 1131-1148
Author(s):  
Joshua P. Stone ◽  
Kevin L. Pangle ◽  
Steven A. Pothoven ◽  
Henry A. Vanderploeg ◽  
Stephen B. Brandt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lake Erie ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Pelagic Fish ◽  
Fish Populations ◽  
Commercial Fishing ◽  
Osmerus Mordax ◽  
Rainbow Smelt ◽  
Bottom Waters ◽  
Thermal Preferences

Whether bottom hypoxia has long-lasting consequences for pelagic fish populations remains speculative for most ecosystems. We explored hypoxia’s influence on two pelagic zooplanktivores in Lake Erie that have different thermal preferences: cold-water rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) and warm-water emerald shiners (Notropis atherinoides). To assess acute effects, we combined predictive bioenergetics-based modeling with field collections made across the hypoxic season in central Lake Erie during 2005 and 2007. To assess chronic effects, we related fishery-independent and fishery-dependent catches with hypoxia severity and top predator (walleye, Sander vitreus) abundance during 1986–2014. As our modeling predicted, hypoxia altered rainbow smelt movement and distributions, leading to avoidance of cold, hypoxic bottom waters. In response, diets shifted from benthic to pelagic organisms, and consumption and energetic condition declined. These changes were lacking in emerald shiners. Our long-term analyses showed rainbow smelt abundance and hypoxia to be negatively related and suggested that hypoxia avoidance increases susceptibility to commercial fishing and walleye predation. Collectively, our findings indicate that hypoxia can negatively affect pelagic fish populations over the long term, especially those requiring cold water.

Entrainment of Larval Fish by the Douglas Point Generating Station, Lake Huron, in Relation to Seasonal Succession and Distribution

1979 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
John R. M. Kelso ◽  
John K. Leslie
Keyword(s):  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Larval Fish ◽  
Seasonal Succession ◽  
Lake Huron ◽  
Plant Distribution ◽  
Entrainment Rate ◽  
Osmerus Mordax ◽  
Alosa Pseudoharengus ◽  
Rainbow Smelt ◽  
Early Fall

Larval fish were sampled by net in Lake Huron and the Douglas Point generating station throughout spring, summer, and early fall 1975. Dominance shifted from fourhorn sculpin (Myoxocephalus quadricornis) to rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) then to ale-wife (Alosa pseudoharengus) from late April to late September. Entrainment of the major species paralleled dominance and abundance observed in the lake, but yellow perch (Perca flavescens), brook stickleback (Eucalia inconstans), and slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus) caught in the lake — each ranging from 5 to 25% of the total catch — were not entrained. Conversely, white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) was entrained but not captured in the lake. Size of individuals entrained, upper limit approx. 40 mm, paralleled size of individuals in the lake. Vertical distribution, and thus proximity to the submerged intake, greatly influenced entrainment rate. Key words: larval fish, entrainment, power plant, distribution, abundance.

Cyclopoid Predation on Lake Michigan Fish Larvae

1982 ◽  
Vol 39 (12) ◽  
pp. 1563-1568 ◽  
Author(s):  
John H. Hartig ◽  
David J. Jude ◽  
Marlene S. Evans
Keyword(s):  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Lake Michigan ◽  
Fish Larvae ◽  
Spatial Proximity ◽  
Osmerus Mordax ◽  
Alosa Pseudoharengus ◽  
Rainbow Smelt ◽  
Common Carp Cyprinus Carpio ◽  
Diacyclops Thomasi ◽  
Temporal And Spatial

Cyclopoid predation on fish larvae, as evidenced by copepods attached to larvae in field collections, was quantitatively investigated during 1975–76 in southeastern Lake Michigan. Although six species of fish larvae were collected, predation occurred primarily (98%) on alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus); 2% of the predators were attached to spottail shiner (Notropis hudsonius) larvae. No cyclopoids were observed on rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), or sculpin (Cottus spp.) larvae. Most alewife larvae attacked were 3–8 mm long; older larvae and larvae of more robust species, such as yellow perch and spottail shiner, are apparently immune to such predation. Most predation (99%) occurred in July when alewife larvae were numerous and cyclopoids abundant. Fish larvae with attached copepods were found only in night collections. Most cyclopoid predators (99%) were adult female Diacyclops thomasi and Acanthocyclops vernalis. Other predaceous species of zooplankton, that occurred in close temporal and spatial proximity to fish larvae, apparently were not predaceous on these organisms.Key words: Alosa pseudoharengus larvae, Notropis hudsonius larvae, Diacyclops thomasi, Acanthocyclops vernalis, cyclopoid predation, Lake Michigan

Effectiveness of Fine Mesh Cylindrical Wedge-Wire Screens in Reducing Entrainment of Lake Michigan Ichthyoplankton

1981 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 120-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahim H. Zeitoun ◽  
John A. Gulvas ◽  
Doyle B. Roarabaugh
Keyword(s):  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Lake Michigan ◽  
Larval Fish ◽  
Fish Larvae ◽  
Osmerus Mordax ◽  
Rainbow Smelt ◽  
Fine Mesh ◽  
June July ◽  
Open Pipe

Samples of ichthyoplankton entrained through 2.0-mm and 9.5-mm-slot opening cylindrical wedge-wire screens and through an open pipe (control) were collected in June, July, and August 1979, 1067 m off the southeast shore of Lake Michigan at a depth of 10.7 m. Screens were designed for a flow rate of 1.9 m3 min−1 at 15.2 cm s−1 through slot velocity. Ambient composition and density of ichthyoplankton were determined by net tows. Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax), alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) larvae were common in both entrainment and tow collections. Eggs were found almost exclusively in entrainment collections. Ambient larval fish densities were about 11 times greater than those found in entrainment collections. Total entrainments through either screen and the open pipe were not statistically significant. Larval avoidance and, to a lesser extent, screen exclusion were responsible for the low entrainment. We estimated that about 90% of native fish larvae at the site avoided pumping.Key words: Lake Michigan, fish larvae, fish eggs, ichthyoplankton, entrainment, power plants, avoidance

Lake Superior Revisited 1984

1987 ◽  
Vol 44 (S2) ◽  
pp. s23-s36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wayne R. MacCallum ◽  
James H. Selgeby
Keyword(s):  
Fish Community ◽  
Lake Trout ◽  
Pacific Salmon ◽  
Lake Superior ◽  
Sea Lamprey ◽  
Osmerus Mordax ◽  
Coregonus Clupeaformis ◽  
Rainbow Smelt ◽  
Coregonus Artedii ◽  
Historical Levels

The Lake Superior fish community has changed substantially since the early 1960s, when control of the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) became effective. Self-reproducing stocks of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) have been reestablished in many inshore areas, although they have not yet reached pre-sea lamprey abundance; offshore lake trout are probably at or near pre-sea lamprey abundance. Stocks of lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) appear to have fully recovered; commercial catches are at or above historical levels. Lake herring (Coregonus artedii) are recovering rapidly in U.S. waters and are abundant in western Canadian waters. The population of rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax), which declined in the 1970s, is recovering. Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus) are becoming more abundant as a result of increased stocking in U.S. waters and are reproducing in most suitable tributaries; they have become significant in anglers' creels.

scholarly journals Monitoring the Milwaukee Harbor breakwater : an Engineering With Nature® (EWN®) demonstration project

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Geisthardt ◽  
Burton Suedel ◽  
John Janssen
Keyword(s):  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Micropterus Salmoides ◽  
Demonstration Project ◽  
Army Corps ◽  
Osmerus Mordax ◽  
Alosa Pseudoharengus ◽  
Rainbow Smelt ◽  
Novel Ecosystem ◽  
Hemimysis Anomala ◽  
Fish Juveniles

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) maintains breakwaters in Milwaukee Harbor. USACE’s Engineering With Nature® (EWN®) breakwater demonstration project created rocky aquatic habitat with cobbles (10–20 cm) covering boulders (6–8 metric tons) along a 152 m section. A prolific population of Hemimysis anomala, an introduced Pontocaspian mysid and important food source for local pelagic fishes, was significantly (p < .05) more abundant on cobbles versus boulders. Food-habits data of alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) and rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) provided evidence that H. anomala were a common prey item. Night surveys and gill netting confirmed O. mordax preferred foraging on the cobbles (p < .05) and consumed more H. anomala than at the reference site (p < .05). H. anomala comprised a significant portion of the diets of young-of-the-year (YOY) yellow perch (Perca flavescens), YOY largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), and juvenile rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris) caught on the breakwater. The natural features’ construction on the breakwater increased the available habitat for this benthopelagic macroinvertebrate and created a novel ecosystem benefiting forage fish and a nursery habitat benefiting nearshore game fish juveniles. These data will encourage the application of EWN concepts during structural repairs at other built navigation infrastructure.

Importance and necessity of long-term field experiments

2010 ◽  
Vol 58 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 7-11
Author(s):  
T. Kismányoki
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Nutrient Balances ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Term Data ◽  
Made In ◽  
Term Field

The importance and necessity of long-term field experiments lie in the fact that long-term effects can only be studied reliably over several decades. The agronomic advances made in recent decades, based on chemicals and genetic gains, can be measured using long-term data, which will also be important in the future. Nutrient balances can be estimated reliably from the results of these experiments. The effect of climate change can be estimated by comparing long-term data from different locations. Long-term databases also form the background for computer models, designed to promote the sustainable development of agriculture and the environment.

Predation by Rainbow Smelt (Osmerus mordax) on Lake Herring (Coregonus artedii) in Western Lake Superior

1978 ◽  
Vol 35 (11) ◽  
pp. 1457-1463 ◽  
Author(s):  
James H. Selgeby ◽  
Wayne R. MacCallum ◽  
Donald V. Swedberg
Keyword(s):  
Lake Superior ◽  
Commercial Production ◽  
Osmerus Mordax ◽  
Rainbow Smelt ◽  
Predator Prey ◽  
Western Lake ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Coregonus Artedii ◽  
Historical Levels ◽  
Lake Herring

The stock of lake herring (Coregonus artedii) in the Apostle Islands (Wisconsin) region of western Lake Superior has diminished severely during the past 30 yr, and predation by rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) on herring larvae has been considered a possible cause of this decline. In contrast, the herring stock in Black Bay, 160 km to the northeast, has remained nearly stable despite the presence of large numbers of smelt and high commercial production of herring. Predator–prey interactions were studied in both areas during 1974. Herring larvae and smelt were about 120 and 3 times as dense, respectively, in Black Bay as in the Apostle Islands region. Substantial predation by smelt on young herring was evident in Black Bay, where 17% of 1195 smelt stomachs examined contained herring larvae. From calculations of the relative densities of the two species, and of the daily ration of the predators, we estimated that smelt consumed 3.3–11% of the herring larvae. Nevertheless, the herring stocks have sustained average historical levels of commercial production. In contrast, no herring larvae were found in the stomachs of 1711 smelt collected in the Apostle Islands region. We conclude that predation by smelt on herring larvae is not the major factor controlling or suppressing herring stocks in either region. Key words: lake herring, rainbow smelt, predation, Lake Superior

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