Aquatic Invasive Species in the Great Lakes Region: An Overview

Heterosporis sutherlandae is an emerging microsporidian fish parasite in the Great Lakes region. H. sutherlandae forms lesions in the muscle tissue of fishes important to aquaculture and sport fishing. These lesions render the filet inedible and may have fitness consequences. We evaluated the prevalence and severity of H. sutherlandae among yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in a known-positive Minnesota lake, and used an equilibrium yield model to evaluate impacts on harvest. Twenty-eight percent of the 400 yellow perch sampled were infected with H. sutherlandae. Males were 1.5 times more likely to be infected than females and were more severely infected. The presence of the parasite did not vary with relative weight or age, but infection severity was highest among older individuals that were in better condition. These results suggest that males are more susceptible to infection, and that infection is not associated with maturity or a gape-limiting food source. These results also suggest that heterosporosis increases in severity with time or by increased exposure. Our equilibrium yield model found that a 10% increase in mortality due to H. sutherlandae could result in 30% and 10% reductions in yield and mean catch weight, respectively. The results of this study direct future field sampling and laboratory experiments to further understand and predict the impacts of this parasite.

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“… Reprinted from Escobar, et al (2018) [ 19 ] under a CC BY license, with permission from Taylor & Francis Group, original copywrite 2018. …”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The prevalence and potential fisheries consequences of Heterosporis sutherlandae in a Minnesota lake

et al. 2018

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“…Quagga mussels, like their close relatives the zebra mussels (Fig. 1d), have the capacity for high density biofouling and for nutrient redistribution of colonized habitats 17 . Furthermore, in invaded habitats once dominated by zebra mussels, the introduction of quagga mussels has repeatedly lead to the replacement of the former with the latter 18 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The quagga mussel genome and the evolution of freshwater tolerance

et al. 2019

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Freshwater dreissenid mussels evolved from marine ancestors during the Miocene ∼30 million years ago and today include some of the most successful and destructive invasive species of freshwater environments. Here, we sequenced the genome of the quagga mussel Dreissena rostriformis to identify adaptations involved in embryonic osmoregulation. We provide evidence that a lophotrochozoan-specific aquaporin water channel, a vacuolar ATPase subunit and a sodium/hydrogen exchanger are involved in osmoregulation throughout early cleavage, during which time large intercellular fluid-filled ‘cleavage cavities’ repeatedly form, coalesce and collapse, expelling excess water to the exterior. Independent expansions of aquaporins coinciding with at least five freshwater colonization events confirm their role in freshwater adaptation. Repeated aquaporin expansions and the evolution of membrane-bound fluid-filled osmoregulatory structures in diverse freshwater taxa point to a fundamental principle guiding the evolution of freshwater tolerance and provide a framework for future species control efforts.

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“…Starry stonewort has recently become an invasive problem of note in North America, yet applied research activities have been limited. Much of the effort has focused on describing the growth of the algae in various waterbodies (Geis et al 1981;Bharathan 1983;Sleith et al 2015;Escobar et al 2016;Escobar et al 2018;Kipp, McCarthy, and Fusaro 2018). In addition, some studies have linked field occurrence to environmental conditions (for example water quality, hydrology, sediment type, light) where problematic populations exist (Hilt et al 2010;Kisnieriene et al 2014;Midwood et al 2016;Alix, Scribailo, and Weliczko 2017;Boissezon, Joye, and Garcia 2017;Genco and Russell 2014).…”

Section: Prior and Current Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

Aligning research and management priorities for Nitellopsis obtusa (starry stonewort)

Pokrzywinski¹,

Getsinger²,

Steckart³

et al. 2020

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In 2018, the US Army Corps of Engineers and Washington and Waukesha Counties in Wisconsin hosted a workshop on the invasive macroalga starry stonewort (Nitellopsis obtusa). Leading water resource managers (agencies and commercial applicators), researchers, regulators, and other interested parties discussed issues surrounding starry stonewort invasions in the Great Lakes Region (GLR). Technical sessions presented information on current research, invasion monitoring, early detection, rapid-response efforts, and operational management activities. Research summaries included invasion in Lake Ontario, prediction of invasion risk in Minnesota and Wisconsin using water chemistry data, and bulbil efficacy and distribution modeling in New England. In addition, the workshop offered summaries of attempted chemical and mechanical control tactics. Following presentations on previous studies, workshop participants identified research and management priorities. Critical research gaps identified from this workshop include (a) better understanding of the biology, invasion ecology, and management of starry stonewort; a greater understanding of distribution and movement, especially in the Great Lakes basin; enhanced population monitoring, applied research, and management strategies; and increased technical cooperation across government, academia, industry, and nonprofit organizations. Conclusions from this meeting will help prioritize future efforts focused on the adaptive management of starry stonewort in the United States and Canada. DISCLAIMER: The contents of this report are not to be used for advertising, publication, or promotional purposes. Citation of trade names does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of the use of such commercial products. All product names and trademarks cited are the property of their respective owners. The findings of this report are not to be construed as an official Department of the Army position unless so designated by other authorized documents.

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Aquatic Invasive Species in the Great Lakes Region: An Overview

Cited by 46 publications

References 123 publications

The prevalence and potential fisheries consequences of Heterosporis sutherlandae in a Minnesota lake

The prevalence and potential fisheries consequences of Heterosporis sutherlandae in a Minnesota lake

The quagga mussel genome and the evolution of freshwater tolerance

Aligning research and management priorities for Nitellopsis obtusa (starry stonewort)

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