Macroinvertebrates and Zooplankton
Importance / IssuesEcological impacts of non-native fish introductions have been well documented and include dramatic reductions and extirpations of large, mobile benthic invertebrate and zooplankton species. The stocking of non-native fishes into lakes of Lassen Volcanic National Park (LVNP) was discontinued in the late 1970s and many lakes have since returned to a fishless condition. Due to a lack of comprehensive surveys, however, present fish distributions were largely unknown as were impacts of fish predation on native biota. Here we present results of a study examining the distribution of introduced fishes and their ongoing effects on littoral macroinvertebrate and zooplankton assemblages among larger (>2 m deep), natural lakes and ponds likely to have been stocked in the past. In a companion study, Stead et al. (2005) presented results of the first comprehensive survey of fish and amphibian distributions among all lentic habitats within LVNP.ParksLassen Volcanic National Park Principal InvestigatorMichael S. Parker, PhD PartnersNational Park Service |
 ObjectivesThe first objective was to determine the distribution of introduced fish among larger, natural lakes within Lassen Volcanic National Park. The second objective was to examine the ongoing fish effects on littoral macroinvertebrate and zooplankton assemblages. The third objective was to determine the extent to which these assemblages have responded to the cessation of fish stocking and return of some lakes to a fishless condition. Project StatusCompleted. Information from this project will be used to help support the development of the Klamath Network long-term monitoring projects for our Water Quality and Aquatic Communities vital signs. |
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