Richards, C., Ongoing. Potential Impacts of Invading Ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus) on Benthic and Pelagic Ecosystems of the Great Lakes, University of Minnesota, Minnesota Sea Grant College Program
Objectives/Abstract:
To identify the relationship between ruffe feeding and benthic
communities. To delineate the extent and nature of interactions
between ruffe and native Great Lakes fishes. To understand the
effects of ruffe on nutrient cycling in lentic systems. To predict
the magnitude of impact ruffe may have on ecosystems with differing
physical and trophic conditions within the Great Lakes.
Methodology: We will conduct a comprehensive study of ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus) effects on benthos and food webs, involving several linked scales of experimentation, observation, and modeling. We will use laboratory microcosms and in situ mesocosms to study yellow perch, ruffe, and food web interactions. Bioenergetic and population modeling will be used to depict the interaction of ruffe with yellow perch scaled to the Great Lakes region.
Contact:
C. Richards, Natural Resources Institute, 5013
Miller Trunk Hwy., Duluth, MN 55811, (218)720-4332
or crichard@sage.nrri.umn.edu
Keywords: Ecological_interactions,
Ongoing_project,
ruffe
Product Type:
Environmental_impacts,
Research
User Type: Resource_management