Submission Type
Poster
Abstract
Didymosphenia geminata (didymo or rock snot) is a benthic, freshwater diatom that is native to North America and Europe. Although it is native, it is displaying invasive qualities through seasonal stalk production. Stalks accumulate into large, unattractive mats that have the potential to alter benthic aquatic communities. The ecology of didymo is puzzling; it has been steadily expanding outside of its native range, and seasonal mat production can be unpredictable. Michigan is well known for outdoor recreation, attracting sportsmen from around the world to fish. Fishing is an integral part of Michigan’s tourism industry, but high foot traffic increases the potential to disrupt delicate aquatic ecosystems with introduction of new species. Didymos’ abrupt and persistent re-appearances in Michigan has raised concerns; what other streams are at risk for nuisance mats following the introduction of didymo? To address this question, 38 tributary streams of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan were sampled in the summers of 2021 and 2022 for water chemistry and physical qualities. The streams were evaluated against environmental data of didymo habitat in the literature, such as low phosphorus and nitrogen, high water clarity, consistent cold temperatures, neutral pH, and coarse substrate. This resulted in a map displaying streams at risk for prolific mat production. Future mesocosm experiments are planned for spring/summer 2023 to further enhance our understanding of didymo ecology.
Evaluating Habitat Suitability in Lake Superior and Michigan Streams for the Freshwater Diatom, Didymosphenia geminata
Didymosphenia geminata (didymo or rock snot) is a benthic, freshwater diatom that is native to North America and Europe. Although it is native, it is displaying invasive qualities through seasonal stalk production. Stalks accumulate into large, unattractive mats that have the potential to alter benthic aquatic communities. The ecology of didymo is puzzling; it has been steadily expanding outside of its native range, and seasonal mat production can be unpredictable. Michigan is well known for outdoor recreation, attracting sportsmen from around the world to fish. Fishing is an integral part of Michigan’s tourism industry, but high foot traffic increases the potential to disrupt delicate aquatic ecosystems with introduction of new species. Didymos’ abrupt and persistent re-appearances in Michigan has raised concerns; what other streams are at risk for nuisance mats following the introduction of didymo? To address this question, 38 tributary streams of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan were sampled in the summers of 2021 and 2022 for water chemistry and physical qualities. The streams were evaluated against environmental data of didymo habitat in the literature, such as low phosphorus and nitrogen, high water clarity, consistent cold temperatures, neutral pH, and coarse substrate. This resulted in a map displaying streams at risk for prolific mat production. Future mesocosm experiments are planned for spring/summer 2023 to further enhance our understanding of didymo ecology.
Comments
Robert Pillsbury, University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh
Ashley Moerke, Lake Superior State University