Great Lakes Center Seminar Series presents "Dreissenid mussel population trajectories and associated patterns in mussel growth and condition" by Ashley Baldridge, Ph.D., National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory
Abstract
The introduction of invasive zebra and quagga mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and D. rostriformis bugensis, respectively) has profoundly impacted the Great Lakes basin and other areas across North America. The NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory has annual survey data in southern Lake Michigan that details the population dynamics of both zebra and quagga mussels from the very beginning of their initial, rapid expansions. Baldridge will present updated survey data, which reveals depth-specific population trajectories. Examining length-weight relationships for mussels from different depth zones and lake regions provides some insights into the observed population patterns. Baldridge will also present some preliminary findings from an ongoing field experiment designed to produce more realistic long-term estimates of quagga mussel growth at greater depths. Comparing trends observed in Lake Michigan with other Great Lakes provides additional insights into dreissenid mussel population dynamics.
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