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Patricia M. Dieter

Publications and source records attributed to Patricia M. Dieter.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
USGS2026

Describing the seasonal abundance and growth rates of larval fishes across productivity gradients in Lake Huron in 2017

Several of the Laurentian Great Lakes, including Lake Huron, have undergone oligotrophication in the past decades and prey fish biomass has concomitantly declined. One potential mechanism to explain declines in prey fish is slower growth and lower survival at the larval stage. To determine whether reduced productivity affects the growth of larval fish, we sampled larval fishes and their environment approximately monthly from May through August 2017 at nine nearshore to offshore transects across Lake Huron that included North Channel, Georgian Bay, and the main basin. North Channel transects had the highest chlorophyll a concentrations and zooplankton densities. Rainbow smelt ( Osmerus mordax ), burbot ( Lota lota ), bloater ( Coregonus hoyi ), and shiners ( Notropis spp.) were the most abundant larval fish taxa, peaking in June and July. We aged rainbow smelt and bloater using otoliths, and estimates of growth rate revealed rainbow smelt always grew faster. For both species, we explained variation in total length by comparing 16 candidate linear mixed-effects models, with age, chlorophyll a , zooplankton, water temperature, larval fish density, and interactions with age as predictor variables. For rainbow smelt, the full model was best; zooplankton had the greatest effect, but it was negative and opposite from our hypothesis. For bloater, four candidate models were most parsimonious; water temperature had the greatest effect, and it was positive as predicted from our hypothesis. To more effectively evaluate whether zooplankton can limit larval fish growth and survival, we recommend that future designs conduct more frequently sampling within a year even at the expense of fewer transects.

Lake Huron↗
USGS2025

Status and trends of pelagic and benthic prey fish populations in Lake Michigan, 2024

Fall bottom trawl (fall BT) and lakewide acoustic (AC) surveys are conducted annually to generate indices of pelagic and benthic prey fish densities in Lake Michigan. The fall BT survey has been conducted each fall since 1973 using 12-m trawls at depths ranging from 9 to 110 m at fixed locations distributed across seven transects; this survey estimates densities of seven prey fish species [i.e., Alewife ( Alosa pseudoharengus ), Bloater ( Coregonus hoyi ), Rainbow Smelt ( Osmerus mordax ), Deepwater Sculpin ( Myoxocephalus thompsonii ), Slimy Sculpin ( Cottus cognatus ), Round Goby ( Neogobius melanostomus ), Ninespine Stickleback ( Pungitius pungitius )] as well as age-0 Yellow Perch ( Perca flavescens ) and large (> 350 mm) Burbot ( Lota lota ). In recent years, wild juvenile (<400 mm) Lake Trout ( Salvelinus namaycush ) have also become more common in the fall bottom trawl. The AC survey has been conducted each late summer/early fall since 2004 (except 2020). The 2024 AC survey consisted of 24 transects [468 km total (291 miles)] covering bottom depths ranging from 16 to 173 m and 38 midwater trawl tows at 4 to 72 m; this survey estimates densities of three prey fish species (i.e., Alewife, Bloater, and Rainbow Smelt). The data generated from these surveys are used to estimate various population parameters that are, in turn, used by state and tribal agencies in managing Lake Michigan fish stocks. In spring of 2024, an additional spring bottom trawl survey (spring BT) was implemented across six of the transects sampled in the fall and sites ranged in depth from 9 to 237 m. The goal of the spring BT, conducted annually since 2021 with differing levels of effort, was to explore seasonal differences in biomass density and distributions of key prey species, most notably Alewife. Total prey fish biomass density from the spring BT was 5.7 kg/ha. For the AC survey, total biomass density of prey fish equaled 10.8 kg/ha, more than double the long-term average (20042023) of 5.1 kg/ha but 4.0 kg/ha lower than the 2023 estimate. For the fall BT, total biomass density of prey fish equaled 2.1 kg/ha, the lowest value since 2020 and 69% lower than the average from 2004-2023 (6.8 kg/ha). The 2024 fall BT biomass density was only 6.3% of the average over the entirety of the time series (1973-2023; 33.1 kg/ha). Over the period both surveys have been conducted (2004-2024), total biomass density has trended downward in the fall BT (despite a high 2022 estimate) and remained relatively stable in the AC survey. Deepwater Sculpin and Bloater were the most common species (by biomass) among prey fishes in the spring BT while the AC survey and fall BT reported co-dominance of Bloater and Alewife. Mean biomass of yearling and older (YAO) Alewife was 1.30 kg/ha in the spring BT, 4.7 kg/ha in the AC survey, and 0.68 kg/ha in the fall BT. Since 2014, annual survey results suggest that the catchability of YAO Alewives for the fall BT is substantially lower than the AC survey. Like previous spring surveys, Alewives were aggregated in deeper habitats, with 93% of biomass collected between 110 and 201 m. Results of the 2024 spring BT align with past spring surveys and do not suggest that spring bottom trawling provides a better index of age-2 and older Alewives than fall bottom trawling, even with adjustments for differences in habitat use. However, the spring BT does appear to index age-1 Alewives more effectively than the fall BT. The 2024 AC survey YAO Alewife biomass density estimate was 77% higher than the average from 2004-2023. The Alewife population of Lake Michigan appears to be composed mostly of young fish and the proportion of age-4 and older Alewives was <1.8% in each of the three surveys. Age-0 Alewife numeric density from the AC survey was 510 fish/ha in 2024, slightly higher than the long-term mean (486 fish/ha). Biomass density of large (≥120 mm) Bloater was 5.2 kg/ha in the AC survey and 0.76 kg/ha in the fall BT, while total Bloater biomass in the spring BT was 1.8 kg/ha - all three estimates were much lower than what was estimated by the fall BT between 1981 and 1998. The density of small (<120 mm) Bloater was 456 fish/ha in the AC survey, the second highest value in the time series and potentially reflective of an above average 2024 year-class. Meanwhile, small Bloater density estimated in the fall BT was only 16 fish/ha. Biomass density of large Rainbow Smelt (≥90 mm) was 0.21 kg/ha in the AC survey and 0.03 kg/ha in the fall BT survey, continuing the trend of low large Rainbow Smelt biomass observed since 2001. Numeric density of small (<90 mm) Rainbow Smelt was 31 fish/ha in the AC survey and 143 fish/ha in the fall BT. All four prey fish species indexed only by the fall BT had below-average biomass densities regardless of trawling season. Deepwater Sculpin biomass density was 0.26 kg/ha, which makes 14 of the past 15 years with biomass <1 kg/ha. Spring BT Deepwater Sculpin biomass density (2.0 kg/ha) was higher than any fall BT estimate since 2006, likely reflective of including bottom trawls at greater depths in the spring than the fall. Slimy Sculpin was estimated to be < 0.04 kg/ha in the spring and fall BT, an order of magnitude lower than the long-term average from the fall BT. Round Goby biomass density estimates were low and similar across seasons (0.43 kg/ha in the spring and 0.10 kg/ha in the fall). Ninespine Stickleback density was 3.9 fish/ha in the fall BT and no fish were collected in the spring BT.

Lake Michigan↗
USGS2024

Larval coregonine density and diet composition along beaches of northern Lake Michigan

Recent oligotrophication in Lake Michigan has contributed to reduced biomass of spring zooplankton and a shift in the zooplankton assemblage toward more calanoid copepods. These changes have likely altered prey availability for first feeding native fish species that hatch in early spring, including coregonines. While spring zooplankton density and community composition are routinely monitored in offshore areas of Lake Michigan, descriptions of zooplankton in nearshore areas such as shallow beach environments and associated diet characteristics among larval coregonine species are limited. In this study, we describe the nearshore (<1 m depth, beach environment) zooplankton community in northeastern Lake Michigan during early spring 2015-2019 and compare the diets and diet selectivity of larval Lake Whitefish ( Coregonus clupeaformis ) and Cisco ( C. artedi ). Zooplankton density and composition varied among years, but calanoid copepods and copepod nauplii consistently dominated the zooplankton assemblage. Cisco and Lake Whitefish larvae were captured regularly, with Elk Rapids containing the highest proportion of Ciscoes each year. Calanoid and cyclopoid copepods were common in diets and estimated to have a positive selection. Although previous research has indicated high consumption of cyclopoid copepods by larval coregonines in Lake Michigan, our results provide new evidence that larval Lake Whitefish and Cisco of northeastern Lake Michigan will also consume and positively select for calanoid copepods when they are abundant. As such, should calanoid zooplankton continue to dominate the copepod community in Lake Michigan, larval coregonines appear capable of exploiting this abundant prey to improve their likelihood of survival to later life stages.

Michigan↗
USGS2024

Status and trends of pelagic and benthic prey fish populations in Lake Michigan, 2023

Fall bottom trawl (fall BT) and lakewide acoustic (AC) surveys are conducted annually to generate indices of pelagic and benthic prey fish densities in Lake Michigan. The fall BT survey has been conducted each fall since 1973 using 12-m trawls at depths ranging from 9 to 110 m at fixed locations distributed across seven transects; this survey estimates densities of seven prey fish species [i.e., Alewife ( Alosa pseudoharengus ), Bloater ( Coregonus hoyi ), Rainbow Smelt ( Osmerus mordax ), Deepwater Sculpin ( Myoxocephalus thompsonii ), Slimy Sculpin ( Cottus cognatus ), Round Goby ( Neogobius melanostomus ), Ninespine Stickleback ( Pungitius pungitius )] as well as age-0 Yellow Perch ( Perca flavescens ) and large (> 350 mm) Burbot ( Lota lota ). The AC survey has been conducted each late summer/early fall since 2004, and the 2023 survey consisted of 20 transects [450 km total (336 miles)] covering bottom depths ranging from 12 to 248 m and 29 midwater trawl tows above bottom depths ranging 16 to 246 m; this survey estimates densities of three prey fish species (i.e., Alewife, Bloater, and Rainbow Smelt). The data generated from these surveys are used to estimate various population parameters that are, in turn, used by state and tribal agencies in managing Lake Michigan fish stocks. A spring bottom trawl survey (spring BT) was implemented across 3 of the transects sampled in the fall and sites ranged in depth from 18 to 164 m. The goal of the spring BT is to explore seasonal differences in biomass density and distributions of key prey species, most notably Alewife. Additionally, we conducted acoustic sampling while bottom trawling to evaluate the vertical distribution of fish relative to the height of the trawl. The abbreviated spring BT survey results indicated that Alewives were primarily offshore with peak biomass density at the 91 m bottom depth. There was no evidence of higher acoustic density above the trawl at depths of 18, 73, 128, and 146 m. At 91 and 164 m, acoustic density above the trawl was >2x that in the trawl path, but sample size at these two depths was low. For the AC survey, total biomass density of prey fish equaled 14.8 kg/ha, 223% higher than the longterm average (2004-2022) of 4.6 kg/ha and 8.8 kg/ha higher than the 2022 estimate. For the fall BT, total biomass density of prey fish equaled 3.6 kg/ha, about 50% lower than the average value from 2004-2022 (6.9 kg/ha). The 2023 fall BT biomass was an order of magnitude lower than the average over the entirety of the time series (1973-2022; 33.7 kg/ha). Bloater was the dominant species (by biomass) among prey fishes in the fall BT, while the AC survey reported dominance of Alewife. Mean biomass of yearling and older (YAO) Alewife was 10.3 kg/ha in the AC survey, and 0.7 kg/ha in the fall BT. Since 2014, catchability of YAO Alewives for the fall BT has been substantially lower than the AC survey. While limited in scope, the results of the 2023 spring BT do not suggest that catchability is substantially higher in the spring than the fall, which aligns with the 2022 survey results. Comparing the AC estimate to previous years, YAO Alewife biomass was 359% higher than the average from 2004-2022. Numeric density of age-0 Alewife from the AC survey was 1,205 fish/ha in 2023, which is the third highest in the time series and well above the long-term mean of 428 fish/ha. Biomass density of large (≥120 mm) Bloater in 2023 was 3.5 kg/ha in the AC survey and 2.1 kg/ha in the fall BT - each at least an order of magnitude lower than what was estimated by the fall BT between 1985 and 1997. Following a record high year in 2021 (1,034 fish/ha), the numeric density of small (<120 mm) Bloater was 142 fish/ha in the AC survey, similar to the long-term mean of 120 fish/ha. Meanwhile, small Bloater density estimated in the fall BT was 2 fish/ha. Biomass density of large Rainbow Smelt (≥90 mm) was <0.05 kg/ha in the AC and fall BT surveys, continuing the trend of low Rainbow Smelt biomass that has been observed since 2001. Numeric density of small (<90 mm) Rainbow Smelt was 119 fish/ha in the AC survey and 7 fish/ha in the fall BT, indicating a weak year-class. All four prey fish species sampled only by the fall BT indicated below average biomass densities. Deepwater Sculpin biomass density was estimated at 0.4 kg/ha, which makes 13 of the past 14 years when biomass was <1 kg/ha. Slimy Sculpin was estimated at 0.02 kg/ha, only 5% of the long-term average. Round Goby was estimated at 0.3 kg/ha, below the average biomass of 0.85 kg/ha since 2008 but similar to intermittent low values observed throughout the dataset. Ninespine Stickleback density was 1 fish/ha. Only 35 small (<100 mm) Yellow Perch were caught, indicating a weak Yellow Perch year-class in 2023.

Lake Michigan↗
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

Status and trends of pelagic and benthic prey fish populations in Lake Michigan, 2022

Fall bottom trawl (fall BT) and lakewide acoustic (AC) surveys are conducted annually to generate indices of pelagic and benthic prey fish densities in Lake Michigan. The fall BT survey has been conducted each fall since 1973 using 12-m trawls at depths ranging from 9 to 110 m at fixed locations distributed across seven transects; this survey estimates densities of seven prey fish species [i.e., Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), Bloater ( Coregonus hoyi ), Rainbow Smelt ( Osmerus mordax ), Deepwater Sculpin ( Myoxocephalus thompsonii ), Slimy Sculpin ( Cottus cognatus ), Round Goby ( Neogobius melanostomus ), Ninespine Stickleback ( Pungitius pungitius )] as well as age-0 Yellow Perch ( Perca flavescens ) and large (> 350 mm) Burbot ( Lota lota ). The AC survey has been conducted each late summer/early fall since 2004, and the 2022 survey consisted of 26 transects [570 km total (354 miles)] covering bottom depths ranging from 5 to 255 m and 37 midwater trawl tows above bottom depths ranging 5 to 232 m; this survey estimates densities of three prey fish species (i.e., Alewife, Bloater, and Rainbow Smelt). The data generated from these surveys are used to estimate various population parameters that are, in turn, used by state and tribal agencies in managing Lake Michigan fish stocks. In spring of 2022, an additional spring bottom trawl survey (spring BT) was implemented across six of the transects sampled in the fall and sites ranged in depth from 9 to 236 m. The goal of the spring BT was to explore seasonal differences in biomass density and distributions of key prey species, mostly notably Alewife. Total prey fish biomass density from the spring BT was 2.1 kg/ha. For the AC survey, total biomass density of prey fish equaled 6.2 kg/ha, 37% higher than the long-term average (2004-2021) of 4.5 kg/ha and 0.43 kg/ha higher than the 2021 estimate. For the fall BT, total biomass density of prey fish equaled 8.7 kg/ha, the highest value since 2013 and 21% higher than average value from 20042021 (6.8 kg/ha). The 2022 fall BT biomass density was still well below the average over the entirety of the time series (1973-2021; 34.3 kg/ha). Over the period both surveys have been conducted (2004-2021), total biomass density has trended downward in the fall BT (despite a high 2022 estimate) and remained relatively stable in the AC survey. Bloater was the dominant species (by biomass) among prey fishes in both the spring and fall BT, while the AC survey reported co-dominance of Bloater and Alewife. Mean biomass of yearling and older (YAO) Alewife was 0.38 kg/ha in the spring BT, 3.0 kg/ha in the AC survey, and 0.10 in the fall BT. Alewife were aggregated in deepwater habitats in the spring of 2022 (> 110 m). Since 2014, catchability of YAO Alewives for the fall BT has been substantially lower than the AC survey. Results of the 2022 spring BT do not suggest that catchability is substantially higher in the spring than the fall. Comparing the acoustic estimate to previous years, YAO Alewife biomass was 40% higher than the average from 2004-2021. An age-7 fish was recorded for the first time since 2009. Despite the rare catches of older fish, the Alewife age distribution still appears truncated, with age-1 fish as the most represented age class in all three surveys. Numeric density of age-0 Alewife from the AC survey was 7 fish/ha in 2022, which is the third lowest in the time series and well below the longterm mean of 452 fish/ha. Biomass density of large (≥120 mm) Bloater was 2.7 kg/ha in the AC survey and 4.4 kg/ha in the fall BT - each at least an order of magnitude lower than what was estimated by the fall BT between 1981 and 1998. Following a record high year in 2021 (1,037 fish/ha), the numeric density of small (<120 mm) Bloater was only 15 fish/ha in the AC survey. Meanwhile, small Bloater density estimated in the fall BT was 261 fish/ha, the highest value since 1990 and likely partially reflective of a large 2021 year-class. Biomass density of large Rainbow Smelt (≥90 mm) was 0.29 kg/ha in the AC survey and 0.12 kg/ha in the fall BT survey, continuing the trend of low Rainbow Smelt biomass that has been observed since 2001. Numeric density of small (<90 mm) Rainbow Smelt was 21 fish/ha in the AC survey and 2.7 fish/ha in the fall BT, indicating a weak year-class. All four prey fish species sampled only by the fall BT indicated below average biomass densities. Deepwater Sculpin biomass density was estimated at 0.41 kg/ha, which makes 12 of the past 13 years when biomass was <1 kg/ha. Slimy Sculpin was estimated at 0.10 kg/ha, the highest estimate since 2016 but still only 25% of the long-term average. Round Goby was estimated at 1.3 kg/ha, above the average biomass of 0.82 kg/ha since 2008 but similar to intermittent high values observed throughout the dataset. Ninespine Stickleback density was 1.5 fish/ha. Burbot biomass remained near record low levels, and no age-0 Yellow Perch were caught, indicating a weak Yellow Perch year-class in 2022.

Lake Michigan↗
USGS2021

Spatial and temporal distributions of Dreissena spp. veligers in Lake Huron: Does calcium limit settling success?

The larval stage of invasive Dreissena spp. mussels (i.e., veligers) are understudied despite their seasonal numerical dominance among plankton. We report the spring and summer veliger densities and size structure across the main basin, North Channel, and Georgian Bay of Lake Huron, and seek to explain spatiotemporal variation. Monthly sampling was conducted at 9 transects and up to 3 sites per transect from spring through summer 2017. Veliger densities peaked in June and July, and we found comparable densities and biomasses of veligers between basins, despite differences in density of juvenile and adult mussels across these regions. Using a generalized additive model to explain variations in veliger density, we found that temperature, chlorophyll a , and nitrates/nitrites were most important. We generated an index of veliger attrition based on size distributions that revealed a higher rate of attrition in the North Channel than the rest of the lake. A logistic model indicated a threshold calcium concentration of around 22 mg/L was necessary for veligers to survive to larger sizes and recruit to their juvenile and benthic adult life stages. Improved understanding of factors that regulate the production and survival of Dreissena veligers could improve the ability of managers to assess future invasion threats as well as explore potential control options.

Lake Huron↗
USGS2021

Status and trends of pelagic and benthic prey fish populations in Lake Michigan, 2020

Lakewide acoustic (AC) and bottom trawl (BT) surveys are conducted annually to generate indices of pelagic and benthic prey fish densities in Lake Michigan. The BT survey had been conducted each fall from 1973 through 2019 using 12-m trawls at depths ranging from 9 to 110 m and included 70 fixed locations distributed across seven transects; this survey estimates densities of seven prey fish species (i.e., alewife, bloater, rainbow smelt, deepwater sculpin, slimy sculpin, round goby, ninespine stickleback) as well as for age-0 yellow perch and large burbot. The AC survey, which serves to estimate densities of three prey fish species (i.e., alewife, bloater, and rainbow smelt), had been conducted each late summer/early fall from 2004-2019. The data generated from these surveys are used to estimate various population parameters that are, in turn, used by state and tribal agencies in managing Lake Michigan fish stocks. The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic severely limited the Lake Michigan pelagic and benthic prey fish surveys. While the AC survey was not conducted, 32 tows across three of seven standard BT transects (Saugatuck, Waukegan and Port Washington) were completed during an abbreviated survey. Total prey fish biomass density from the abbreviated BT survey was 1.91 kg/ha, continuing a recent trend of historically low estimates below the long-term (i.e., 1973-2020) average of 34.94 kg/ha. Mean biomass of yearling and older (YAO) alewives in 2020 was 0.025 ± 0.017 kg/ha, tied for the lowest ever recorded on the BT survey. No age-0 alewife were captured in the bottom trawl and of the limited number (n=16) of alewife collected, none were older than age four. Bloater (1.39 kg/ha) and deepwater sculpin (0.47 kg/ha) accounted for greatest proportion of biomass in the BT survey, while biomass density of slimy sculpin, round goby and rainbow smelt were all ≤ 0.01 kg/ha. While caution must be taken when interpreting the results of the abbreviated BT survey, the estimates suggest that prey fish densities remain well below historical values.

Lake Michigan↗
USGS2020

Status and trends of pelagic and benthic prey fish populations in Lake Michigan, 2019

Lakewide acoustic (AT) and bottom trawl (BT) surveys are conducted annually to generate indices of pelagic and benthic prey fish densities in Lake Michigan. The BT survey has been conducted each fall since 1973 using 12-m trawls at depths ranging from 9 to 110 m and include 70 fixed locations distributed across seven transects; this survey estimates densities of seven prey fish species (i.e., alewife, bloater, rainbow smelt, deepwater sculpin, slimy sculpin, round goby, ninespine stickleback) as well as for age-0 yellow perch and large burbot. The AT survey has been conducted each late summer/early fall since 2004, and the 2019 survey consisted of 26 transects [513 km total (319 miles)] covering bottom depths ranging from 15 to 235 m and 30 midwater trawl tows covering bottom depths ranging 27 to 204 m; this survey estimates densities of three prey fish species (i.e., alewife, bloater, and rainbow smelt). The data generated from these surveys are used to estimate various population parameters that are, in turn, used by state and tribal agencies in managing Lake Michigan fish stocks. For the BT survey, total biomass density of prey fish equaled only 1.77 kg/ha, the 2nd lowest estimate of the time series and well below the long-term average total biomass of 35.7 kg/ha. For the AT survey, total biomass density of prey fish equaled 4.71 kg/ha, just above the long-term average total biomass of 4.25 kg/ha. Both surveys reported bloater to be the dominant species (by biomass) among prey fishes. Mean biomass of yearling and older (YAO) alewives in 2019 was 1.56 kg/ha in the AT survey and 0.07 kg/ha in the BT survey. Comparing the acoustic estimate to previous years, YAO alewife biomass was 76% lower than the 2018 estimate and less than the average from 2004-2019. Numeric density of age-0 alewife from the AT survey was only 35.1/ha in 2019, which is indicative of a poor year-class and only the fourth since 2004 with a density less than 100/ha. The alewife age distribution remained truncated, with age-2 fish dominating the population and only three alewife (out of 525 aged) that were older than age 3. Biomass density of YAO bloater was 3.08 kg/ha in the AT survey and 0.78 kg/ha in the BT survey- each at least an order of magnitude lower than what was estimated by the BT survey between 1981 and 1998. Numeric density of age-0 bloater was the lowest ever measured for each survey: 0/ha for the AT survey and 0.12/ha for the BT survey. Biomass density of YAO rainbow smelt was 0.03 kg/ha in the AT survey and 0.04 kg/ha in the BT survey, continuing the low rainbow smelt biomass that has been observed since 2001. Numeric density of age-0 rainbow smelt was 1.33/ha in the AT survey and 0.99 in the BT survey, indicating a weak year-class that follows three year-classes that exceeded 41/ha between 2016 and 2018. All four prey fish species sampled only by the BT survey indicated below average biomass densities. Deepwater sculpin was estimated at 0.47 kg/ha, which makes 9 of the past 10 years when biomass was <1 kg/ha. Slimy sculpin was estimated at 0.02 kg/ha, the second lowest density ever measured. Round goby was estimated at 0.39 kg/ha, which was below the average biomass of 0.96 kg/ha since 2008. Ninespine stickleback were only caught in one tow, and not surprisingly was estimated at a record low biomass. Burbot biomass remained near record low levels, and no age-0 yellow perch were caught, indicating a weak yellow perch year-class in 2019.

Lake Michigan↗
USGS2019

Spatiotemporal variability in energetic condition of alewife and round goby in Lake Michigan

Pelagic-oriented alewife ( Alosa pseudoharengus ) and benthic-oriented round goby ( Neogobius melanostomus ) are two important prey fishes in the Laurentian Great Lakes. In 2015, we evaluated their seasonal total energy (TE) across nine Lake Michigan transects. Round goby contained at least 48% more kilojoules of TE than alewife of equal length during spring and summer. TE varied spatially for both species, but only large alewife exhibited a consistent pattern, with higher values along the eastern shoreline. Variation in TE was not explained by site-specific prey densities for either species. Round goby energy density (ED) was higher in Lake Michigan than in central Lake Erie, but comparable to other regions of the Great Lakes. Alewife ED in 2015 was similar to that in 2002–2004 in Lake Michigan, with the exception of November (small alewife ED was 21% higher) and April (large alewife ED was 30% lower). Despite oligotrophication, our study suggests that starvation of juvenile and adults has not been directly contributing to overall declining prey fish abundance, although future research should evaluate the potential for overwinter starvation.

Lake Michigan↗
USGS2019

Status and trends of prey fish populations in Lake Michigan, 2018

The U.S. Geological Survey Great Lakes Science Center has conducted lake-wide surveys of the fish community in Lake Michigan each fall since 1973 using standard 12 m bottom trawls towed along contour at depths of 9 to 110 m at each of seven index transects. The survey provides relative abundance and biomass estimates between the 5 m and 114 m depth contours of the lake for prey fish populations, as well as for burbot and yellow perch. The resulting data are used to estimate various population parameters that are in turn used by state and tribal agencies in managing Lake Michigan fish stocks. All seven established index transects of the survey were completed in 2018, although depths 64 m and greater offshore of Frankfort could not be completed due to excessive dreissenid mussel biomass on our multiple tow attempts. Mean biomass of alewives in 2018 was estimated at 0.54 kg/ha, which was the highest value since 2013, but still only 6.7% of the long-term average (7.96 kg/ha). Age distribution of alewives remained truncated with no alewife age exceeding 5 years. Bloater biomass was 2.60 kg/ha in 2018, relatively unchanged from 2017, but still only 14% of the long-term average. Round goby biomass was 1.25 kg/ha in 2018, the 3rd largest estimate in the time series and 62% higher than the average since they were first sampled in 2003. Rainbow smelt biomass was 0.45 kg/ha, which was the highest since 2006 but only 21% of the long-term average. Likewise, deepwater sculpin biomass was 1.30 kg/ha in 2018, which was the highest since 2007 but only 20% of the long-term average. Slimy sculpin biomass was only 0.07 kg/ha in 2018, and similar to the very low levels estimated since 2012 and only 17% of the long-term average. Ninespine stickleback remained very rare in 2018 (0.004 kg/ha), and only 1% of the long-term average. Overall, the total prey fish biomass (sum of alewife, bloater, rainbow smelt, deepwater sculpin, slimy sculpin, round goby, and ninespine stickleback) in 2018 was 6.22 kg/ha, roughly 65% greater than in 2017 but still only 17% of the long-term average. With respect to other species of interest, burbot biomass was only 0.04 kg/ha in 2018 (18% of the long-term average) and no age-0 yellow perch were caught in 2018, indicating a weak year-class.

Lake Michigan↗
USGS2018

Status of pelagic prey fishes in Lake Michigan, 2017

Acoustic surveys were conducted in late summer/early fall during the years 1992-1996 and 2001-2017 to estimate pelagic prey fish biomass in Lake Michigan. Midwater trawling during the surveys as well as target strength provided a measure of species and size composition of the fish community for use in scaling acoustic data and providing species-specific abundance estimates. The 2017 survey consisted of 34 acoustic transects [711 km total (442 miles)] and 40 midwater trawl tows. Mean prey fish biomass was 7.99 kg/ha [38.9 kilotonnes (kt = 1,000 metric tons)], which was 46% higher than in 2016 and 35% of the long-term (22 years) mean. The numeric density of the 2017 alewife year-class was 27% of the time series average and 0.6 times the 2016 density. This year-class contributed 15% of total alewife biomass (4.4 kg/ha). In 2017, alewife comprised 55% of total prey fish biomass, while rainbow smelt and bloater were 32% and 14 % of total biomass, respectively. Rainbow smelt biomass in 2017 (1.0 kg/ha) was 29% of the long-term mean and increased for the second time since 2008. Bloater biomass in 2017 was 2.5 kg/ha and 32% of the long-term mean. Mean density of small bloater in 2017 (120 fish/ha) was 80% of the long-term mean. Biomass density of large bloater increased to 2.2 kg/ha in 2017. This remains much lower than in the 1990s but likely shows evidence of recruitment of small fish observed in the past 5 years. Although prey fish biomass remains low relative to the 1990s, it did increase in 2017. This increase, along with higher-than-average survival of two recent alewife year classes, are likely a response to reduced predation pressure stemming from a reduction in the abundance of Chinook salmon.

Michigan, Wisconsin↗
USGS2018

Describing the distribution and productivity of biota along a nearshore to offshore gradient

The Lake Michigan Lakewide Action and Management Plan (LAMP) proposed adding nutrients (phosphorus) to its “pollutant of concern” list in 2002, given that excessive nutrients were causing impairments in nearshore waters. Since that time, scientists have highlighted the “shunting” of nutrients to the nearshore (Hecky et al. 2004), owing to the ability of invasive dreissenid mussels to capture some portion of allochthonous phosphorus that enters the lake through tributaries. These changes are believed to increase productivity in the nearshore, reflected in increased benthic and pelagic primary production and nuisance Cladophora (Auer et al. 2010). Whether increases in primary productivity lead to concomitant increases for secondary (by zooplankton) and tertiary (by fish) production remains largely untested. Hence, understanding the distribution and abundance of nutrients and biota (e.g., zooplankton, fish) across a nearshore to offshore gradient was identified as a Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative (CSMI) priority in 2015. Increased understanding of the Lake Michigan nearshore will also facilitate the development of a Nearshore Strategy by the LAMP, which is called for in the 2012 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. Working collaboratively with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), United States Geological Survey (USGS) described the distribution of nutrients and biota across nearshore to offshore transects in 2015 (see Appendix 1). At each transect, we sampled the food web at three sites with differing bottom depths: 18 m, 46 m, and 91-110 m. We purposefully chose transects near tributaries of varying total phosphorus (TP) input (see Figure 1, Dolan and Chapra 2012): three transects that were not associated with any large tributary where total phosphorus would be loaded (Waukegan IL, Frankfort MI, Sturgeon Bay WI), three transects adjacent to tributaries presumed to be relatively low loaders of TP (Pere Marquette MI, Root WI, Muskegon MI), and three transects adjacent to tributaries presumed to be relatively high loaders of TP (St. Joseph MI, Kalamazoo MI, Manitowoc WI). USGS estimated chlorophyll concentrations, zooplankton, Mysis , larval fish, and juvenile and adult fish seasonally (April/May, July, October/November) at eight of these transects (all but Muskegon).

Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin↗
USGS2017

It's like night and day: Diel net-effects on Cercopagidae densities in the Laurentian Great Lakes

In the Laurentian Great Lakes, zooplankters are often sampled using standard ≤153 μm mesh nets without regard to the time of day they are collected. We sampled Cercopagidae during 2013–2014 in northern Lake Huron during day, dusk, and night using two different nets (a 0.5 m wide 153 μm mesh “standard” net and a 0.75 m wide 285 μm mesh “ Bythotrephes ” net) to determine if there were any differences in their sampled densities. Bythotrephes densities with the standard net were approximately 2.07-fold greater when captured at night than during the day. No time of day bias occurred with the Bythotrephes net. Nighttime Bythotrephes densities did not differ between the two net types. Cercopagis densities did not vary with net type or the time of day in this study, but future work should revisit this result given our low sample size and the low occurrence of Cercopagis in Lake Huron. To reduce bias and calculate accurate density estimates, Cercopagidae should be sampled at night if using a standard net or any time of day with the Bythotrephes net. Given the large impact of invasive predatory cladocerans Bythotrephes longimanus and Cercopagis pengoi on food webs since their invasion in the Laurentian Great Lakes in the 1980s, proper estimation of their densities is essential.

Journal of Great Lakes Research↗
USGS2017

Biotic and abiotic factors influencing zooplankton vertical distribution in Lake Huron

The vertical distribution of zooplankton can have substantial influence on trophic structure in freshwater systems, particularly by determining spatial overlap for predator/prey dynamics and influencing energy transfer. The zooplankton community in some of the Laurentian Great Lakes has undergone changes in composition and declines in total biomass, especially after 2003. Mechanisms underlying these zooplankton changes remain poorly understood, in part, because few studies have described their vertical distributions during daytime and nighttime conditions or evaluated the extent to which predation, resources, or environmental conditions could explain their distribution patterns. Within multiple 24-h periods during July through October 2012 in Lake Huron, we conducted daytime and nighttime sampling of zooplankton, and measured food (chlorophyll- a ), temperature, light (Secchi disk depth), and planktivory (biomass of Bythotrephes longimanus and Mysis diluviana ). We used linear mixed models to determine whether the densities for 22 zooplankton taxa varied between day and night in the epi-, meta-, and hypolimnion. For eight taxa, higher epilimnetic densities were observed at night than during the day; general linear models revealed these patterns were best explained by Mysis diluviana (four taxa), Secchi disk depth (three taxa), epilimnetic water temperature (three taxa), chlorophyll (one taxon), and biomass of Bythotrephes longimanus (one taxon). By investigating the potential effects of both biotic and abiotic variables on the vertical distribution of crustacean zooplankton and rotifers, we provide descriptions of the Lake Huron zooplankton community and discuss how future changes in food web dynamics or climate change may alter zooplankton distribution in freshwater environments.

Journal of Great Lakes Research↗
USGS2016

Eurytemora carolleeae in the Laurentian Great Lakes revealed by phylogenetic and morphological analysis

In the Laurentian Great Lakes, specimens of Eurytemora have been reported as Eurytemora affinis since its invasion in the late 1950s. During an intensive collection of aquatic invertebrates for morphological and molecular identification in Western Lake Erie in 2012-2013, several specimens of Eurytemora were collected. Analysis of these specimens identified them as the recently described species Eurytemora carolleeae Alekseev and Souissi 2011. This result led us to assess E. carolleeae’s identifying features, geographic distribution and historical presence in the Laurentian Great Lakes in view of its recent description in 2011. Cytochrome oxidase I (COI) DNA sequences of Eurytemora specimens were identified as closer (2 - 4% different) to recently described E. carolleeae than to most E. affinis sequences (14% different). Eurytemora from other areas of the Great Lakes and from North American rivers as far west as South Dakota (Missouri River) and east to Delaware (Christina River) also keyed to E. carolleeae . Morphological analysis of archival specimens from 1962 and from all the Great Lakes was identified as E. carolleeae . Additionally, Eurytemora drawings in previous publications were reassessed to determine if the species was E. carolleeae and are reported here. Additional morphological characters that may distinguish North American E. carolleeae from other taxa are also described. We conclude that E. carolleeae is the correct name for the species of Eurytemora that has inhabited the Great Lakes since its invasion, as established by both morphological and COI sequence comparisons to reference keys and sequence databases in present and archival specimens.

Great Lakes↗
USGS2015

Status and trends of prey fish populations in Lake Michigan, 2013

The U.S. Geological Survey Great Lakes Science Center has conducted lake-wide surveys of the fish community in Lake Michigan each fall since 1973 using standard 12-m bottom trawls towed along contour at depths of 9 to 110 m at each of seven index transects. The resulting data on relative abundance, size and age structure, and condition of individual fishes are used to estimate various population parameters that are in turn used by state and tribal agencies in managing Lake Michigan fish stocks. All seven established index transects of the survey were completed in 2013. The survey provides relative abundance and biomass estimates between the 5-m and 114-m depth contours of the lake (herein, lake-wide) for prey fish populations, as well as burbot, yellow perch, and the introduced dreissenid mussels. Lake-wide biomass of alewives in 2013 was estimated at 29 kilotonnes (kt, 1 kt = 1000 metric tonnes), which was more than three times the 2012 estimate. However, the unusually high standard error associated with the 2013 estimate indicated no significant increase in lake-wide biomass between 2012 and 2013. Moreover, the age distribution of alewives remained truncated with no alewife exceeding an age of 5. The population of age-1 and older alewives was dominated (i.e., 88%) by the 2010 and 2012 year-classes. Record low biomass was observed for deepwater sculpin (1.3 kt) and ninespine stickleback (0.004 kt) in 2013, while bloater (1.6 kt) and rainbow smelt (0.2 kt) biomasses remained at low levels. Slimy sculpin lake-wide biomass was 0.32 kt in 2013, marking the fourth consecutive year of a decline. The 2013 biomass of round goby was estimated at 10.9 kt, which represented the peak estimate to date. Burbot lake-wide biomass (0.4 kt in 2013) has remained below 3 kt since 2001. Numeric density of age-0 yellow perch (i.e., < 100 mm) was only 1 fish per ha, which is indicative of a relatively poor year-class. Lake-wide biomass estimate of dreissenid mussels in 2013 was 23.2 kt. Overall, the total lake-wide prey fish biomass estimate (sum of alewife, bloater, rainbow smelt, deepwater sculpin, slimy sculpin, round goby, and ninespine stickleback) in 2013 was 43 kt, with alewives and round gobies constituting 92% of this total.

Lake Michigan↗