Rotifer assemblages in the Neva Bay,Russia: principles of formation,present state and perspectives

A comparative study of species composition, abundance and spatial distribution of the rotifers of Neva Bay (Gulf of Finland, Baltic Sea), between 1982–1993, was carried out. The rotifer fauna in the central basin of Neva Bay is determined by and originates in Lake Ladoga and is very similar to that of the Neva River. High turbidity and effect of winds affecting water residence time influence composition and density of rotifers in this shallow estuary. The importance of rotifer assemblages for evaluation of the quality of the estuary is discussed.     

The effect of fish on planktonic rotifers

The dynamics, community structure, and productivity of planktonic rotifers were studied during 3 years in two lakes near St. Petersburg (Russia). One lake was repeatedly stocked with larvae of the fish Coregonus peled; the other contained no fish. Fish addition led to a shift in plankton community structure. Population densities of some rotifer species (Keratella cochlearis, K. irregularis, Asplanchna priodonta) increased as a result of the elimination of large crustaceans by fishes during summer and autumn. An inverse relationship was found between the biomass of rotifers and Daphnia.     

Species composition of planktonic Rotifera, Cladocera and Copepoda in the littoral zone of Lake Ladoga

In Mexico, more than 40 000 ha of dams, lakes, canals and drains are infested with waterhyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). To prevail over the problems resulting from this infestation, specific management programs are needed. Under a national program to control the waterhyacinth, guidelines to deal with the related ecological, social, technical and economic factors, and specific strategies to reduce coverage were developed. The ecological factors which were noted include the identification of the most affected areas and the consequences of proposed treatments. The social aspects embraced the stimulation of user awareness as to the importance of water quality, the creation of organizations to coordinate user-sponsored control activities, and the awakening of a community identity. Basic to all are the technical and economic aspects which make the activities feasible and operational. Examples are given of control by means of water level management, mechanical controls using trituration, and the application of chemical and biological agents, all of which may be combined in an integral program.     

Effects of the non-indigenous cladoceran Cercopagis pengoi on the lower food web of Lake Ontario

1. In North America, the invasive predatory cladoceran Cercopagis pengoi was first detected in Lake Ontario. We explored the impact of Cercopagis on the lower food web of Lake Ontario through assessments of historical and seasonal abundance of the crustacean zooplankton, by conducting feeding experiments on the dominant prey of the invader, and by estimating its food requirements. 2. Between 1999 and 2001, a decrease in the abundance of dominant members of the Lake Ontario zooplankton community (Daphnia retrocurva, Bosmina longirostris and Diacyclops thomasi) coincided with an increase in the abundance of Cercopagis. Daphnia retrocurva populations declined despite high fecundity in all 3 years, indicating that food limitation was not responsible. Chlorophyll a concentration generally increased, concomitant with a decline in the herbivorous cladoceran zooplankton in the lake. 3. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that Cercopagis fed on small‐bodied species including D. retrocurva and B. longirostris. 4. Consumption demand of mid‐summer populations of Cercopagis, estimated from a bioenergetic model of the confamilial Bythotrephes, was sufficient to reduce crustacean abundance, although the degree of expected suppression varied seasonally and interannually. 5. Predatory effects exerted by Cercopagis on the Lake Ontario zooplankton, while initially very pronounced, have decreased steadily as the species became established in the lake.