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Evaluation of Optically Acquired Zooplankton Size-Spectrum Data as a Potential Tool for Assessment of Condition in the Great Lakes

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Abstract

An optical plankton counter (OPC) potentially provides an assessment tool for zooplankton condition in ecosystems that is rapid, economical, and spatially extensive. We collected zooplankton data with an OPC in 20 near-shore regions of 4 of the Laurentian Great Lakes. The zooplankton size information was used to compute mean size, biomass density, and size-spectra parameters for each location. The resulting metrics were analyzed for their ability to discriminate among the Great Lakes. Biomass density provided discrimination among lakes, as did several parameters describing spectra shape and distribution. A proposed zooplankton indicator, mean size (determined with OPC measurements in this study), was found to provide discrimination among lakes. Size-spectra-related parameters added increased ability to discriminate in conjunction with the biomass density (or mean size) metric. A discriminant function analysis of the multiple metrics (mean size, biomass density, and distribution parameters) suggests that a multi metric size-based approach might be used to classify communities among lakes improving a mean-size metric. The feasibility OPCs and size-based metrics for zooplankton assessment was found to have potential for further development as assessment tools for the biological condition of zooplankton communities in the Great Lakes.

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Acknowledgments

The information in this document has been funded wholly by the US Environmental Protection Agency. It has been subjected to review by the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory and approved for publication. Approval does not signify that the contents reflect the views of the Agency, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. We would like to thank NHEERL staff S. G. Paulsen, M. E. Sierszen, and M. A. Starus for comments on the manuscript. We would also like to thank M. Zhou and three anonymous reviewers, who greatly improved the manuscript.

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  1. Mid-Continent Ecology DivisionNational Health and Environmental EffectsResearch LaboratoryOffice of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, 6201 Congdon Boulevard, Duluth, Minnesota, 55804, USA

    Peder Yurista, John R. Kelly & Samuel Miller

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  1. Peder Yurista
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  2. John R. Kelly
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  3. Samuel Miller
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Correspondence to Peder Yurista.

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Yurista, P., Kelly, J.R. & Miller, S. Evaluation of Optically Acquired Zooplankton Size-Spectrum Data as a Potential Tool for Assessment of Condition in the Great Lakes. Environmental Management 35, 34–44 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-003-0298-5

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