Christine M. Mayer

Bio: Christine M. Mayer is an academic researcher from University of Toledo. The author has contributed to research in topics: Dreissena & Zebra mussel. The author has an hindex of 21, co-authored 59 publications receiving 1336 citations. Previous affiliations of Christine M. Mayer include Cornell University & Syracuse University.

Alteration of Ecosystem Function by Zebra Mussels in Oneida Lake: Impacts on Submerged Macrophytes

Abstract: Dreissenid mussels (the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha and the quagga mussel D. bugensis) are ecosystem engineers that modify the physical environment by increasing light penetration. Such a change is likely to affect the distribution and diversity of submerged macrophytes. Filter-feeding by these mussels has been associated with increased water clarity in many North American and European lakes. In this study, we report the increase in water clarity of Oneida Lake, New York, USA, for 1975–2002 and argue that the increase was caused by zebra mussel invasion rather than declines in nutrients. Over the study period, although mean total phosphorus decreased significantly, the main increase in water clarity occurred after the zebra mussel invasion in 1991. The average depth receiving 1% surface light increased from 6.7 m to 7.8 m after the invasion of zebra mussels, representing a 23% areal expansion. The maximum depth of macrophyte colonization, as measured by diver and hydroacoustic surveys, increased from 3.0 m before the invasion of zebra mussels to 5.1 m after their establishment. In addition, macrophyte species richness increased, the frequency of occurrence increased for most species, and the composition of the macrophyte community changed from low-light–tolerant species to those tolerating a wide range of light conditions. Comparisons with observations reported in the literature indicate that increased light penetration alone could explain these changes in macrophyte distribution and diversity. Such changes will increase the importance of benthic primary production over pelagic production in the food web, thereby representing an overall alteration of ecosystem function, a process we refer to as “benthification”.

The relationship between prey selectivity and growth and survival in a larval fish

Abstract: We examined prey preference, growth, and survival of small larval (8-10 mm total length (TL)), large larval (11-17 mm TL), and early juvenile (>18 mm TL) walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) in laborator...

Scale-dependent effects of zebra mussels on benthic invertebrates in a large eutrophic lake

Abstract: We studied mechanisms by which zebra mussels may elevate densities of aquatic invertebrates at local and lake-wide spatial scales in a productive lake Locally, zebra mussels provide structural refuge from predation and deposit organic material An experiment demonstrated that the density of benthic invertebrates increased locally as a function of zebra mussel density in Oneida Lake, New York On a lake-wide spatial scale, light penetration increased dramatically in response to zebra mussel invasion Consequently, the area of lake bottom likely to support benthic primary production also increased The maximum depth of light penetration sufficient to support benthic algal photosynthesis increased from 75 m in pre-invasion years (1975–1991) to 105 m in post-invasion years, and macrophytes extended to a greater depth in post-invasion years Algae and macrophytes may provide food or structural refuge to invertebrates An intensive survey of one shallow bay showed that benthic invertebrate densities

Response of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in Oneida Lake, New York, to the establishment of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha).

Abstract: We used long-term data on Oneida Lake, New York, to evaluate hypotheses about the effects of introduced zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) on yellow perch (Perca flavescens). We detected no change in survival, diet, or numbers of young-of-the-year (YOY) yellow perch. YOY growth increased in association with zebra mussel introduc- tion and was marginally correlated with zooplankton size, which increased after zebra mussel introduction. Low num- bers of YOY in recent years did not explain their increased growth rate. The percentage of age 3 and older yellow perch that consumed zooplankton and benthos increased after zebra mussel introduction. Water clarity, which has increased since zebra mussel introduction, was inversely related to the percentage of the adult population with empty stomachs and positively related to the percentage that consumed benthos. The percentage of adult yellow perch that consumed zooplankton was positively related to zooplankton size. Despite the increase in percentage of adults consum- ing both types of invertebrate prey, we detected no changes in adult growth associated with zebra mussel introduction. This suggests that the principal effects of zebra mussels on yellow perch in Oneida Lake were not via benthic path- ways but through modifications of water clarity and zooplankton. Thus far, these effects have not been negative for the yellow perch population.

Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), habitat alteration, and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) foraging: system-wide effects and behavioural mechanisms

Abstract: The aggregate impact of an exotic species introduction, such as the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), may involve a large number of biotic and abiotic interactions within the recipient ecosystem We used laboratory experiments and field data to assess effects of zebra mussels on both foraging success of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and activity of the amphipod Gammarus fasciatus In two laboratory experiments zebra mussel clusters reduced the rate at which yellow perch captured amphipods Yellow perch captured fewer amphipods when zebra mussels were present at two light levels ( 214 lx) and across a range of prey densities (76–1500 amphipods·m–2) The effect of zebra mussels on amphipod activity depended on light level Yellow perch captured fewer amphipods in the presence of mussel clusters than when plants were present The frequency of amphipods in the diets of adult yellow perch in Oneida Lake increased after zebra mussel introduction, but the increase was greater in low mussel density

Invasive species, ecosystem services and human well-being.

Abstract: Although the effects of invasive alien species (IAS) on native species are well documented, the many ways in which such species impact ecosystem services are still emerging. Here we assess the costs and benefits of IAS for provisioning, regulating and cultural services, and illustrate the synergies and tradeoffs associated with these impacts using case studies that include South Africa, the Great Lakes and Hawaii. We identify services and interactions that are the least understood and propose a research and policy framework for filling the remaining knowledge gaps. Drawing on ecology and economics to incorporate the impacts of IAS on ecosystem services into decision making is key to restoring and sustaining those life-support services that nature provides and all organisms depend upon.

Dispersal and emerging ecological impacts of Ponto-Caspian species in the Laurentian Great Lakes.

Abstract: We describe, explain, and "predict" dispersal and ecosystem impacts of six Ponto-Caspian endemic species that recently invaded the Great Lakes via ballast water. The zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, and quagga mussel, Dreissena bugensis, continue to colonize hard and soft substrates of the Great Lakes and are changing ecosystem function through mechanisms of ecosystem engineering (increased water clarity and reef building), fouling native mussels, high particle filtration rate with selective rejection of colonial cyanobacteria in pseudofeces, alteration of nutrient ratios, and facilitation of the rapid spread of their Ponto-Caspian associates, the benthic amphipod Echinogammarus ischnusand the round goby, Neogobius melanostomus , which feeds on zebra mussels. The tubenose goby, Proterorhinus marmoratus , which does not feed on zebra mussels, has not spread rapidly. Impacts of these benthic invaders vary with site: in some shallow areas, habitat changes and the Dreissena → round goby → piscivore food chain have improved conditions for certain native game fishes and waterfowl; in offshore waters, Dreissena is competing for settling algae with the native amphipod Diporeia spp., which are disappearing to the detriment of the native deep-water fish community. The predatory cladoceran Cercopagis pengoi may compete with small fishes for zooplankton and increase food-chain length.

Effect of temperature and light on the growth of algae species: A review

Abstract: Algae are fast growing biomass and can be converted to Biodiesel fuel. The demand of biodiesel is growing worldwide. Microalgae need a light:dark regime for productive photosynthesis. Light conditions and Temperature affect directly the growth rate of microalgae (duration and intensity).Literature review of some Green algae species Chlorella, Spirogyra, Chlamydomonas, Botryococcus, Scenedesmus, Neochloris, Haematococcus, Nannochloropsis, Ulva species and few species of brown algae, red algae, blue green algae were chosen to study the effect of temperature and light intensity on their growth. Optimum temperature range 20 °C to30 °C was observed for growth of different algae species. Light irradiance varies between 33 µmol m−2 s−1 to 400 µmol m−2 s−1. Maximum growth rate was found 1.73 d−1 for Selenastrum minutum at 35 °C and 420 µmol m−2 s−1 irradiance. Minimum growth rate (0.10 d−1) was reported for Botryococcus braunii KMITL 2 strain at temperature 25 °C, photoperiod 24:0 and 200 µmol m−2 s−1 irradiance.

What a difference a species makes: a meta–analysis of dreissenid mussel impacts on freshwater ecosystems

Abstract: We performed a meta-analysis of published studies and long-term monitoring data sets to evaluate the effects of dreissenid mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and D. rostriformis bugensis), two of the world's most problematic biological invaders, on the biogeochemistry, flora, and fauna of lakes and rivers across North America and Eurasia. Dreissenid effects were structured along two distinct energy pathways. For the pelagic–profundal pathway, large mean reductions in phytoplankton (−35% to −78%) and zooplankton (−40% to −77%) biomass occurred and were dependent on habitat type. The largest effects were found in rivers, followed by littoral and pelagic habitats in lakes. In contrast, benthic energy pathways within littoral habitats of lakes and rivers showed dramatic increases in mean benthic algal and macrophyte biomass (+170% to +180%), sediment-associated bacteria (about +2000%), non-dreissenid zoobenthic biomass (+160% to +210%), and total zoobenthic biomass, which includes dreissenid mussel soft tissues (+...