Control mechanisms of arctic lake ecosystems: a limnocorral experiment

To assess the potential impact of human exploitation on arctic lakes and to determine how these eco systems are regulated we initated a limnocorral experiment in Toolik Lake, Alaska, in the summer of 1983. The limnocorrals were 5 m in diameter and from 5–6 m in depth and were open to the sediments. In 1983 four limnocorrals were deployed in an isolated bay of Toolik Lake within a cross-classified treatment regime of high and low inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus additions and high and low free swimming fish additions. The objective of the nutrient addition was to stimulate phytoplankton growth and determine the extent to which increased plant production was passed through pelagic and benthic food chains. The objective of the fish addition was to determine the impact of fish predation on large-bodied zooplankton, especially the zooplanktivorous copepod Heterocope, then to study the effect of altered Heterocope densities on small-bodied zooplankton species population dynamics. In 1984 two more limnocorrals were deployed, one a low fish, 1 × nutrient addition treatment and the other a no fish, no nutrient treatment. The fish manipulation was changed to confining several fish in cages with the cages held in corrals for varying lengths of time. The addition of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus dramatically increased phytoplankton productivity. This increase in algal biomass and production greatly altered the light environment and water quality in the nutrient treated limnocorrals. The secchi disk depth in the nutrient treated limnocorrals declined each summer reaching as low as 1 m in 1985. Both oxygen content and pH increased in the nutrient treatment corrals. Corrals not receiving nutrient additions remained near lake concentrations for most water quality parameters. While phytoplankton biomass was stimulated in 1983 phytoplankton growth was not sufficient to draw down all the nitrogen and phosphorus added and these nutrients reached high levels in the last half of the summer. In 1984 phosphorus remained above 20 μg in the nutrient-treated corrals but ammonia dropped to reference levels by day 25. In 1985 both nutrient concentrations rapidly declined to reference levels. Most pelagic components responded to the nutrient additions. Microbial production was stimulated in the nutrient treated limnocorrals and bacterial population sizes built up to nearly 8–10 times those of the reference corrals. However, microheterotrophs soon increased in abundance and apparently grazed down bacteria to reference levels. Phytoplankton population density, as estimated by chlorophyll a determinations, increased dramatically with nutrient addition such that each year the phytoplankton densities were higher than before. Primary productivity was also stimulated and appeared not to be light limited even when phytoplankton densities rose to high levels. In the first two years of the experiment zooplankton densities were little altered by the increased phytoplankton densities. However, by 1985 daphnid densities were quite a bit higher in the high nutrient addition limnocorrals. The benthic community and sediment response was much less affected by nutrient addition. Overall sediment respiration increased in the nutrient treated corrals but underlying sediments seemed little affected. Decomposition of Carex litter was likewise little affected by nutrient addition. Benthic invertebrates were also little impacted by the nutrient addition and increased sedimentation of phytoplankton. However, the response of benthic invertebrates is difficult to assess fully in the current experiment because chironomids, a prominent component of the benthic community, failed to recruit into the limnocorrals and the corrals physically shifted during ice-out in the spring of 1984 disturbing the sediment in several corrals. The fish additions in 1983 of free swimming grayling essentially eliminated large bodied zooplankton, especially Heterocope septentrionalis, from all four limnocorrals. In subsequent summers Heterocope were not so dramatically preyed upon but generally were found in higher densities in the low or no fish treatments. However, either when Heterocope were eliminated in 1983 or were in rough inverse proportion to fish density, altered Heterocope abundance had no obvious affect on small-bodied zooplankton abundance. The fish treatment apparently influenced the zooplankton response to high nutrient addition in 1985. In the high nutrient limnocorrals daphnid populations became very abundant, but in the high fish treatment the daphnid responding was the small-bodied D. longiremis while in the low fish treatment the daphnid responding was the large-bodied D. middendorffiana. Thus we have considerable evidence for bottom up control of phytoplankton density and production. This increased production ultimately, but not for two years, stimulated zooplankton density increases. Increased nutrients had little effect on the benthos or sediments. Fish manipulations influenced large-bodied zooplankton but had little effect on small-bodied zooplankton. Because grayling are predominantly plankton feeders in lakes, no fish effect on benthic invertebrates was expected. Limnocorrals thus seem good systems to study nutrient-phytoplankton interactions. They are not as suitable for benthic invertebrate studies and fish manipulations may be difficult. Most other limnocorral studies were of brief duration; however, in the present study the limnocorrals seemed to perform well over a three year period.     

Control of bloom in a tropical lake: grazing efficiency of some herbivorous fishes

Using a limnocorral study, Microcystis grazing by silver carp, bighead and tilapia was examined in an eutrophic shallow lake permanently infested with a Microcystis bloom. Twelve fingerlings of each fish species were introduced into the limnocorrals placed in the lake, in triplicate, and their grazing effects were examined over a period until the limnocorral bloom declined substantially and remained unchanged. Introduction of fish, regardless of species, into the limnocorrals resulted in sharp reductions (60–93%) of the initial Microcystis population on day 3 or 7. Maximum gross and net clearance of Microcystis were by silver carp followed by bighead and tilapia. Short-term high retention of Microcystis by tilapia indicated that the clearance effect did not last long due to a high rate of defaecation of undigested Microcystis . Nearly 6–180% nutrient enrichment of the limnocorrals was attributable to the defaecation of test fishes suggesting their ichthyoeutrophication potentials, which were in the following order: tilapia>bighead>silver carp. It is concluded that silver carp is most suitable for clearing Microcystis in the lake because of its minimal ichthyoeutrophication effect.     

Variation in the C:P ratio of suspended and settling seston and its significance for P uptake calculations

SUMMARY. 1. In 1981–84 limnocorral (LC) experiments were performed in Lake Lucerne. Switzerland, to manipulate the planktonic community by varying P fertilization and by removing large zooplankton (with a 95 μm screen).
2. The C:P ratios in both suspended and entrapped seston exceeded the 'ideal' C:P ratio of 106 proposed by Redfield, Ketchum & Richards (1963) when P was limiting algal growth.
3. P fertilization could decrease the sestonic C:P ratio to 106 only when P did not limit algal growth; P additions far exceeding the P loading of eutrophic lakes were necessary to obtain this situation.
4. Changes in epilimnetic C:P ratios were usually related to short- term changes in primary production, caused by variable in situ light conditions and turbulence, and subsequent variation in POC concentrations.
5. Entrapped seston in the 95 μm-filtered LCs showed C:P ratios slightly higher than those of suspended seston, indicating fast P release and slower C mineralization in the epilimnetic nutrient cycle.
6. Removing large crustacean zooplankton enhanced epilimnetic P mineralization, and C:P ratios of entrapped seston in the 95 μm-filtered LCs were increased.
7 Detritus formed a relatively high proportion of the seston and amounted to more than two-thirds of the measured POC concentration.
8. Calculations of algal P uptake using information on sestonic C:P ratios and ¹⁴C uptake rates are questionable, as long as detritus cannot be separated from algae and net carbon uptake cannot be accurately measured.     

Sediment Raking as a Tool for Enhancement of Phosphate and Productivity of Water in Tropical Pond System

Changes of orthophosphate in water, induced by raking of surface sediment in various ways, were compared. Twelve limnocorrals were installed in a shallow mesotrophic pond using four treatments with triplicate replication:(1) raking of surface sediment (R) by means of a rake for 5min per week (2) fish (F), by introducing six common carp and two silver carp per limnocorral, (3) raking plus fish (R+F) and (4) control (C), without raking and fishless. After day 122, treatments were reversed in limnocorrals byremoving (netting) or introducing fish and stopping or initiating raking. Samples of water and sediment were collected from each limnocorral at weekly interval and monitored for orthophosphate (OP), primary productivity, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and sediment available phosphorus. Raking in presence of fish caused 280 and 160% increase in OP concentrations in surface and bottom water, respectively, as compared with raking in absence of fish. Net effects of fish and raking were 13-81 and 26-241%, respectively in surface water and 48-100 and 46-95% in bottom water. This implied that in bottom water, net raking effect was 13-161% greater than net fish effect. Increase in PSB population, due to raking plusfish (R+F) was 6-82% higher than increase by fish alone (F). Responses of available-P in sediment were opposite to that of water, being highest in concentration in control (C) followed by fish (F), raking (R) and raking plus fish (R+F). The primary productivity showed variations parallel with that of orthophosphate of water. This suggests that raking accelerated the transformations of available-P fromsediment to overlying water mediated through oxygen-dependent sediment water exchange mechanisms.     

Comparative energetics and life cycle of the opossum shrimp ( Mysis relicta ) in native and non-native environments

1. Life history, fecundity and energy ingestion were compared for non-native Mysis relicta in Flathead Lake, Montana, and in Waterton Lake, Montana/Alberta, where the mysid is native. 2. Based on estimates from stomach contents, M. relicta in Flathead Lake consumed three to four times more energy per hour while foraging than M. relicta from Waterton Lake. The primary prey of M. relicta in Flathead Lake was Daphnia thorata. Diaptomus sicilis was the primary prey for M. relicta in Waterton Lake. 3. Mysis relicta in Flathead Lake had a 1-year life history. It took 2 years for M. relicta in Waterton Lake to complete a generation. Mysis relicta from Flathead Lake produced significantly (P < 0.05) more eggs per female (19.9 ± 4.7) compared to M. relicta in Waterton Lake (13.7 ± 3.6). The lipid content in eggs from M. relicta in Flathead Lake was also significantly (P < 0.05) higher than eggs from M. relicta in Waterton Lake. 4. In Flathead Lake, M. relicta is able effectively to exploit Daphnia thorata, consuming greater biomass than M. relicta in Waterton Lake. Mysis relicta efficiently assimilates the greater biomass, which reduces generation time, increases fecundity, and increases lipid reserves of offspring. These results provide evidence of energetic mechanisms that enable M. relicta to colonize and affect foodwebs when introduced into lakes.     

Cascading trophic interactions: Uncoupling at the zooplanktonphytoplankton link

Four limnocorrals (8 m dia. by 15 m deep) located at Lake St. George, Ontario, Canada; were used to examine the interactions between planktivorous fish, crustacean zooplankton (notably Daphnia galeata mendotae), and phytoplankton. During the spring, in all of the limnocorrals, high Daphnia biomasses were correlated with increased water transparency and a spring clear-water phase. However, as the summer progressed, the relationship between Daphnia biomass and phytoplankton abundance became more complex and less predictable. Investigation of these interactions suggested four conclusions. (1) During late July and throughout August and September, water transparency decreased and algal cell counts increased. In 3 of 4 limnocorrals, deterioration in water quality occurred 3–5 weeks before zooplankton (and Daphnia populations) declined. In all cases decreased transparency was associated with increased concentrations of algal cells (Gloeococcus) that were poor food sources for Daphnia. These results suggested that decreased water transparency was not caused by decreases in Daphnia biomass. (2) Taken together, data from all of the limnocorrals showed no correlation between the magnitude of July Daphnia biomasses and the percentage of poor food source algae that were observed in August. This suggested that grazer effects were not necessary for the onset of summer poor food source algal blooms. (3) In two limnocorrals, there was a positive correlation between increased Daphnia mortality and the onset of poor food source blooms. In the other two limnocorrals there was no correlation. In all limnocorrals there was no correlation between decreased Daphnia reproductive capacity and poor food source blooms. These data suggested that blooms of poor food source algae were not necessary for the collapse of Daphnia populations. (4) In all 4 limnocorrals there was a strong correlation between the time that 0+ yellow perch planktivores reached biomasses of 30–50 kg ha^–1 and the collapse of Daphnia populations Species and size selection was also observed. These results suggested that for this set of limnocorral experiments, fish biomasses in the 30–50 kg ha^–1 were responsible for the collapse of Daphnia populations in the summer.     

Strength of coupling between phyto- and zooplankton in Lake Lucerne (Switzerland) during phosphorus abatement subsequent to a weak eutrophication

The strength of coupling between phyto- and zooplankton was measured from 1961 to 1995 by comparing the grazing effect of zooplankton (visible as clear-water phase only in 1968-1994) and also by excluding zooplankton in limnocorral experiments (1980-1984). Although long-term (1961-1995) measurements show little evidence of temporal changes in total biomass of phytoplankton or zooplankton, there is strong evidence of changes in the strength of coupling due to top-down effects. The ratio of change in biomass caused by cladocerans in the intensive grazing period of each year (May/June) and the recovery of netplankton after this period seems to be strongly influenced by the trophic state of the lake. When Lake Lucerne was mesotrophic (1971-1982), the annual mean of monthly changes in phytoplankton biomass was in the range of 1-2, indicating that the biomass more than doubled (or halved) from month to month (no change = 0). Under oligotrophic conditions, the annual average of monthly changes in biomass was below 0.5. Grazing measurements in limnocorrals at 2 m depth with labelled food (Rhodomonas lacustris) showed distinct diel rhythms, with maximum community grazing rate at dusk and dawn. These diel changes were caused by vertical migration of the zooplankton. Grazing rate and zooplankton biomass were strongly coupled, with a maximum rate of 100-200 ml day^-1 mg^-1 (zooplankton biomass) when daphnids were dominant. The decrease in biomass caused by excessive grazing shows parallel trends in nanoplankton and netplankton. However, the increase in biomass after the clear-water phase was largely caused by netplankton.      

Role of nutrients and zooplankton in regulation of phytoplankton in Flathead Lake (Montana, U.S.A.), a large oligotrophic lake

1. Increased primary production in Flathead Lake during the 1980s has been variously attributed to increased nutrient loadings and/or decreases in zooplankton abundance resulting from the introduction of Mysis relicta . In order to assess the importance of these two factors in regulating the phytoplankton community in Flathead Lake, we manipulated zooplankton abundance and nutrient availability in a series of 5‐day enclosure experiments.
 2. Chlorophyll a levels were stimulated by simultaneous addition of nitrogen and phosphorus. At ambient nutrient levels, alteration of zooplankton density had no effect on chlorophyll a levels. Top‐down control through zooplankton grazing could only be demonstrated in treatments supplemented with nutrients. Under these conditions, there was a significant negative correlation between zooplankton abundance and final chlorophyll a levels.
 3. These results suggest that the phytoplankton community in Flathead Lake is regulated primarily by bottom‐up controls. Consequently, future management activities aimed at preventing further increases in algal growth in the lake should focus on nutrient abatement. Alteration of the upper trophic levels does not appear to have significantly affected phytoplankton abundance in the lake. Should nutrient levels increase in the future, then top‐down controls may become more important.
 4. A conceptual model is presented illustrating the relative importance of top‐down and bottom‐up controls across a trophic gradient.     

Manipulation of chemistry and phytoplankton by hydrological intervention: a whole lake experiment in the northern Netherlands

SUMMARY. 1. The small Lake Negenmad, in the nature reserve 'De Oude Venen', was isolated from the canals and lakes of the Frisian lake system. Its chemistry and phytoplankton were monitored 1 year before (1984) and 2 years after (1985–86) isolation. These characteristics were compared with those of the adjacent Lake Veertigmad which was not manipulated.
2. The hydrological intervention prevented the inflow of chloride-rich IJsselmeer water into Lake Negenmad and made its water table more dependent on evapotranspiration, precipitation and upwelling water. In comparison with the unmanipulated lake. Lake Negenmad became less saline (c. 50%), more humic (c. 50%) and total dissolved (<0.2,μm) iron concentration increased dramatically.
3. During the 2 years of damming no marked differences in the total nutrient concentrations of either lake were observed. However, the maximum phytoplankton density in the dammed lake was half that in the unmanipulated lake. The lower density may have been caused by low P availability after formation of humus-iron phosphate species.
4. Preventing the inflow of water from the Frisian lake system favoured the occurrence in Lake Negenmad of flagellated species (Chrysophyceae, Cryptophyceae) at the expense of filamentous and nuisance-causing cyanobacteria (Oscillutoria, Anabaena, Aphanizomenon spp.).
5. The implications of these results for water quality management of reservoirs in peaty areas are briefly discussed.     

Features of the underwater light climate just below the surface in some New Zealand inland waters

1. Using sampling rates of 8–64 Hz we found clear indications of extensive and high frequency fluctuations of underwater photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) just below the surface (0.016–1.1 m) in some New Zealand water bodies. High variability and flashing occurred down to at least 3 m depth.
2. PAR variability increased under the influence of bright sunshine if wind roughening of the surface took place. Concomitantly, the average PAR levels declined by about 10%. However, even when the surface was shaded, high variability of PAR persisted.
3. Under a calm surface, PAR irradiance followed a log normal distribution. This occurred independently of the presence of direct sunlight. However, when the surface was roughened by wind in sunshine, PAR immediately switched to a Gumbel (extreme value type EV1) distribution.
4. Neither wave action nor wave focusing of incident irradiance would explain the wide range of PAR close to the water surface, although both factors add to the PAR variability.
5. The data indicate that transmittance through the surface is highly variable at the temporal and spatial scales studied, and that the irregularity of the air–water interface is instrumental in bringing about the observed fluctuations of PAR just below the surface.     

Features of the underwater light climate just below the surface in some New Zealand inland waters

1. Using sampling rates of 8–64 Hz we found clear indications of extensive and high frequency fluctuations of underwater photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) just below the surface (0.016–1.1 m) in some New Zealand water bodies. High variability and flashing occurred down to at least 3 m depth.
2. PAR variability increased under the influence of bright sunshine if wind roughening of the surface took place. Concomitantly, the average PAR levels declined by about 10%. However, even when the surface was shaded, high variability of PAR persisted.
3. Under a calm surface, PAR irradiance followed a log normal distribution. This occurred independently of the presence of direct sunlight. However, when the surface was roughened by wind in sunshine, PAR immediately switched to a Gumbel (extreme value type EV1) distribution.
4. Neither wave action nor wave focusing of incident irradiance would explain the wide range of PAR close to the water surface, although both factors add to the PAR variability.
5. The data indicate that transmittance through the surface is highly variable at the temporal and spatial scales studied, and that the irregularity of the air–water interface is instrumental in bringing about the observed fluctuations of PAR just below the surface.     

Biomanipulation by introduction of herbivorous zooplankton. A helpful shock for eutrophic lakes?

In 1988 and 1989Daphnia magna were introduced into the Gewerbepark Pond and into the University Pond, and also into a limnocorral (10 m diameter, 5 m deep) in Postfelden Reservoir. Limnological parameters were regularly monitored in all the three water bodies over three months or longer. The objective of the experiments was to induce a clear-water period in turbid eutrophic waters by direct manipulation of the zooplankton community. Introduction of four million individuals ofD. magna (10 ind. 1⁻¹) caused a long lasting clear-water period in the limnocorral. While Secchi-disc transparency in the reservoir decreased from 1.3 m to<1 m during summer, transparency increased to a stable level of about 4 m in the corral. Despite very low phytoplankton biomass,D. magna was still abundant. The experiment was terminated after three months because of oxygen depletion in the corral. In the Gewerbepark Pond 3.3 million individuals ofD. magna (0.6 ind. 1⁻¹) were introduced at the beginning of August. The daphnids soon increased 60-fold in their density causing a persistently high water transparency and low phytoplankton biomass up to November. Ammonia concentration rose steeply, whereas that of nitrate and oxygen decreased. Subsequently in summer, concentrations of chlorophyll as well as of inorganic phosphorus and nitrogen were extremely low. Instead of the phytoplankton,Elodea canadensis grew enormously and covered 12% of the pond surface. The biomanipulation experiment in University Pond failed, probably due to predation by carp.     

Fluxes of free amino acids in three Danish lakes

SUMMARY. 1. Heterotrophic assimilation rates and concentrations of dissolved free amino acids (DFAA) were followed during diel studies in the eutrophic Lake Mossø, Lake Esrom and Lake øm in spring and summer in 1982. In all three lakes, three to four fold diel variations in concentrations and assimilation rates were measured. These fluctuations appeared to be iindependent of phytoplankton and bacteria production. Pools of DFAA varied from 380 nM (Lake Mossø) to 2430 nM (Lake ørn), with serine, glycine, alanine and ornithine as dominant free amino acids.
2. When similar water samples were incubated in a natural light-dark cycle or in total darkness, different pools of DFAA were measured in light and dark.
3. Decomposition of organic matter or zooplankton activity (rather than e.g. phytoplankton exudates) appear to be responsible for the concentration changes.
4. Observed discrepancies between simultaneous concentration changes and assimilation rates are discussed in relation to the applied tracer procedure and the concentration measurements.
5. Assimilation of DFAA sustained from 6% to 25% of the bacterial carbon requirement, corresponding to 2–12% of the phytoplankton production in the lakes.     

Long-term effects of successive Ca(OH)2 and CaCO3 treatments on the water quality of two eutrophic hardwater lakes

1. Whole-lake experiments were conducted in two hardwater lakes (Halfmoon and Figure Eight) in Alberta, Canada, to investigate the effectiveness of repeated lime (slaked lime: Ca(OH)₂ and/or calcite: CaCO₃) treatments (5–78 mg L^–1) for up to 7 years.
2. Randomized intervention analysis of intersystem differences between the experimental and three reference lakes demonstrated a decline in euphotic total phosphorus and chlorophyll a concentrations in the experimental lakes after repeated lime treatments.
3. After the second lime application to Halfmoon Lake, mean winter total phosphorus release rates (TPRR) decreased to < 1 mg m^–2 day^–1 compared with 3.6 mg m^–2 day^–1 during the winter after initial treatment. In the final year of lime application, mean summer TPRR decreased to 4.5 mg m^–2 day^–1 compared with 7.6 mg m^–2 day^–1 in the pre-treatment year.
4. Mean macrophyte biomass declined and species composition was altered at 1 and 2 m depths in Figure Eight Lake during lime application. Over the first 6 years of treatment, macrophyte biomass at 2 m declined by 95% compared with concentrations recorded during the initial treatment year. In the last year of the study, macrophyte biomass at 2 m reached initial treatment concentrations, which coincided with the greatest water transparency. Over the treatment period, macrophyte species shifted from floating to rooted plants.
5. Multiple lime applications can improve water quality in eutrophic hardwater lakes for periods of up to 7 years.     

Effects of small-scale sedimentary patchiness on the distribution of tubificid and lumbriculid worms in Lake Geneva

SUMMARY. 1. The sediment consists of pillow-like formations (0.7 m wide) separated by trenches, 0.2 m wide and 0.1 m deep, over large areas of Lake Geneva (Switzerland).
2. Biomass and total abundance of tubificid and lumbriculid worms were higher on the pillows than in the trenches. Potamothrix vejdovskyi, P. hammoniensis, P. heuscheri and Tubifex tubifex were more abundant on pillows whereas Peloscolex velutinus and Stylodrilus heringianus were relatively more abundant in the trenches.
3. These differences between worm communities suggested that organic sedimentation was higher on the pillows. Sedimentological analyses confirmed this interpretation.
4. Results of large-scale surveys can be biased if sampling design is not adapted to such small-scale patchiness.     

Can filter‐feeding fishes improve water quality in lakes?

1.  In this paper we examine the potential of a cichlid fish species ( Sarotherodon galilaeus ) to both maintain positive growth rates through filter-feeding on phytoplankton and improve water quality in Lake Kinneret through suppression of dinoflagellate ( Peridinium gatunense ) blooms.
2.  Seasonal plankton consumption by S. galilaeus from Lake Kinneret was examined experimentally by monitoring changes in plankton assemblages during 24 h in 5-m³ mesocosms containing varying densities of fish. Taxon-specific grazing rates ranged from 0 to 17 mg g_fish day^–1, with mean total consumption of 1.6% fish body weight per day. During the spring bloom of P. gatunense , S. galilaeus consumed mostly (94%) netphytoplankton (≥20 μm). The remaining 6% consisted mostly of nanophytoplankton (<20 μm). During the summer and fall, net- and nanophytoplankton accounted for 54 and 42%, respectively, of the diet of S. galilaeus . Zooplankton and flagellated and ciliated protozoans made up the remaining 4%.
3.  Simulations using a fish bioenergetics model indicated that consumption rates ( C ) were near maximum in spring (90% C _max), while consumption was reduced in summer-fall (59% C _max). Sarotherodon galilaeus obtains sufficient energy through filter-feeding year-round, although most growth (≥60%) occurs during the spring P. gatunense bloom.
4.  Despite efficient feeding on P. gatunense and nanophytoplankton by S. galilaeus , estimates of instantaneous plankton mortality caused by ingestion were two orders of magnitude lower than maximum potential plankton growth rates. Thus the potential for the S. galilaeus population in Lake Kinneret to positively affect water quality through algal suppression is low.     

The effects of water‐level manipulation on the benthic invertebrates of a managed reservoir

1. Reservoir creation and management can enhance many ecological services provided by freshwater ecosystems, but may alter the natural conditions to which aquatic biota have adapted. Benthic macroinvertebrates often reflect environmental conditions, and this community may be particularly susceptible to water‐level changes that alter sediment exposure, temperature regime, wave‐induced sediment redistribution and basal productivity. 2. Using a before–after control–impact experimental design, we assessed changes in macroinvertebrate community structure corresponding with changes in water‐level management in two lentic systems in the Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, U.S.A. Littoral zone (depths 1–5 m) benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages were sampled in Rainy Lake (control system) and Namakan Reservoir (impact system) in 1984–85, and again in 2004–05 following a change in water‐level management that began in January 2000. The new regime reduced the magnitude of winter drawdown in Namakan Reservoir from 2.5 to 1.5 m, and allowed the reservoir to fill to capacity in late May, a month earlier than under the prior regime. Rainy Lake water levels were not altered substantially. 3. We found changes in macroinvertebrate community structure in Namakan Reservoir relative to Rainy Lake at 1–2 m depths but not at 3–5 m depths. These shallower depths would have been most directly affected by changes in sediment exposure and ice formation. 4. In 2004–05, Namakan Reservoir benthos showed lower overall abundance, more large‐bodied taxa and an increase in non‐insect invertebrates relative to 1984–85, without corresponding changes in Rainy Lake. 5. Changes in the benthic community in Namakan may reflect cooler water in spring and early summer as well as lower resource availability (both autochthonous production and allochthonous inputs) under the new regime.     

Community structure and bottom-up regulation of heterotrophic microplankton in arctic LTER lakes

Microplankton community structures and abundance was assessed in lakes at the Toolik Lake LTER site in northern Alaska during the summers of 1989 and 1990. The microplankton community included oligotrich ciliates, but rotifers and zooplankton nauplii comprised greater than 90% of total estimated heterotrophic microplankton biomass. Dominant rotifer taxa included Keratella cochlearis, Kellicottia longispina, Polyarthra vulgaris, Conochilus unicornis and a Synchaeta sp. Microplankton biomass was lowest in highly oligotrophic Toolik Lake (< 5 μgCl⁻¹ at the surface) and highest (up to 55 μCl⁻¹) in the most eutrophic lakes, experimentally fertilized lakes, and fertilized limnocorrals, consistent with bottom-up regulation of microplankton abundance.     

Inhibition of phytoplankton photosynthesis by solar ultraviolet radiation: studies in Lake Titicaca, Bolivia

1. Lake Titicaca is a large, high altitude (3810 m a.s.l.) tropical lake (16°S, 68°W) that lies on the border of Bolivia and Perú, receiving high fluxes of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) throughout the year. Our studies were conducted during September of 1997 with the main objective of studying the impact of solar UVR upon phytoplankton photosynthesis.
2. Water samples were taken daily and incubated in situ (down to 14 m depth) under three radiation treatments to study the relative responses to PAR (Photosynthetic Available Radiation, 400–700 nm), UV-A (320–400 nm), and UV-B (280–320 nm) radiation.
3. Photosynthetic inhibition by UVR in surface waters was about 80%, with UV-A accounting for 60% and UV-B for 20%; the inhibition by high levels of PAR was less than 20%. The inhibition due to UVR decreased with depth so that there were no significant differences between treatments at 8.5 m depth.
4. The amount of inhibition per unit energy received by phytoplankton indicates that even though there was a significant inhibition of photosynthesis due to UVR, species in Lake Titicaca seem to be better adapted than species in high latitude environments.
5. The cellular concentration of UV-absorbing compounds, a possible mechanism of photoadaptation, was low in phytoplanktonic species. However, they were abundant in zooplankton, suggesting a high rate of bioaccumulation through the diet.     

The role of fish in the regulation of nutrient cycling in Lake Balaton, Hungary

SUMMARY. 1. In 1984 an enclosure experiment was carried out in order to elucidate the importance of nutrient supply from fish to phytoplankton during the critical summer period in eutrophic Lake Balaton. One enclosure was stocked with fish and the other left empty.
2. Two peaks were recorded in primary production reaching maximum values in the fish enclosure.
3. In the enclosure with fish, inorganic nitrogen concentrations increased gradually till the end of the experiment, with ammonia making up the largest component. Lower dissolved phosphorus concentrations in the fish enclosure, with its higher primary production rate, may indicate an intense cycling of this nutrient.
4. The biological and chemical changes occurring in the enclosure suggest that bream removal can be an effective tool in water quality control for Lake Balaton.