Lamberti, G. A., Ongoing. Potential Impacts of Invading Ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus) on Benthic and Pelagic Ecosystems of the Great Lakes, University of Notre Dame, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Program

Potential Impacts of Invading Ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus) on Benthic and Pelagic Ecosystems of the Great Lakes

Objectives/Abstract:
(1) To identify the relationship between ruffe feeding and benthic macroinvertebrate communities. (2) To delineate the extent and nature of interactions between ruffe and native Great Lakes fishes especially yellow perch. (3) To understand the effects of ruffe on nutrient cycling in aquatic systems. (4) To predict the magnitude of impact that ruffe may have on Great Lakes ecosystems with differing physical and an trophic conditions.

Methodology: We will conduct a comprehensive study of ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus) effects on the benthos and aquatic food webs involving several linked scales of investigation: experimentation, observation, and modeling. We will use laboratory microcosms and field mesocosms to investigate experimentally the interactions among ruffe, yellow perch, benthic macroinvertebrates, and other food web components. Bioenergetic and population modeling will be used to depict the spread and impact of ruffe in the Great Lakes region. Surveys of the Great Lakes will be used to link experiments with model predictions.

Contact: G. A Lamberti, 240 Galvin Life Science, Notre Dame, IN 46556, (219)631-8075 or Gary.A.Lamberti.1@nd.edu
Keyword: Ecological_interactions, Ruffe, Environmental_impacts
Product Type: Impact, Research
User Type: Resource_management