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An ecosystem management framework to maintain water quality in a macrophyte-dominated, productive, shallow reservoir

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Abstract

Loch Leven, SK, is a well-oxygenated, highly productive, clear-water lake dominated by a nuisance species of submergent macrophyte (Elodea canadensis Michaux) whose removal has been suggested to enhance recreational use. Previous empirical and theoretical work, however, has suggested that macrophytes offer an important ecosystem service in such lakes by sequestering nutrients, anchoring sediments, and providing shelter for filter feeding consumers. Macrophyte removal would introduce a risk of shifting the ecosystem to a less desirable turbid state, potentially dominated by toxic planktonic algal species. Here, we present the results of a contemporary (2014) spatio-temporal field survey of Loch Leven, which showed high water quality along several axes of assessment. Results are discussed within the context of historical sedimentary analysis, which indicated increases in algal biomass since 1980. Given the high potential for increases in planktonic biomass should Elodea be harvested, we propose only targeted macrophyte management for Loch Leven, and that large-scale Elodea removal programs would have to be paired with dredging of lake sediments to remove the source of internal nutrient loading. We further suggest that a long-term monitoring program be initiated to allow continued assessment of water quality in this shallow, macrophyte-dominated lake.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Brittany Hesjdal, Jared Wolfe, Kristen Leigh, and Dr. Brian Sterenberg for sample collection in Loch Leven, Cypress Hills. We thank the Institute of Environmental Change and Society for the chemical, pigment, and stable isotope sample analyses. Dr. Bjoern Wissel and Dr. Peter Leavitt provided sampling equipment and Dr. Christopher Yost provided laboratory analyses of bacterial samples. Dr. Rob Wright was instrumental in the initiation of this project and provided direction and guidance throughout, and the authors also thank Brant Seifert and the staff at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park for logistic support and assistance with data sources and historical context. Matthew Bogard provided comments that improved the manuscript. Funding was provided through the Saskatchewan Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, and the University of Regina.

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  1. Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, SK, S4S0A2, Canada

    Kerri Finlay

  2. Department of Biological Sciences, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, K9J7B8, Canada

    Richard J. Vogt

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  1. Kerri Finlay
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Correspondence to Kerri Finlay.

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Finlay, K., Vogt, R.J. An ecosystem management framework to maintain water quality in a macrophyte-dominated, productive, shallow reservoir. Hydrobiologia 776, 111–123 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-016-2739-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-016-2739-1

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