Re-appearance of rotifers in hypersaline Mono Lake, California, during a period of rising lake levels and decreasing salinity

Abstract

The surface elevation of Mono Lake, California, rose ~2 m and mixed-layer salinities declined about 5 g kg^{− 1} during the 3 years (1995–1997) following the decision to restrict water diversions out of the Mono Basin. Abundant (1 8 000 m^{− 2}) Hexarthra jenkinae de Beauchamp were noted in pelagic samples in October 1997 after three decades of absence or very low abundance. Abundance subsequently increased to 100 000 m^{− 2} in December 1997 before declining to low numbers through 1998 and 1999. The re-appearance of Branchionus plicatilis Müller in pelagic samples occurred in September 1998. B. plicatilis areal abundance increased to ~15 000 m^{− 2} in October—December of both 1998 and 1999 but was low throughout the rest of the year. Both rotifers were noted in nearshore ponds, but were only abundant in those with salinities below 53 g kg^{− 1}. During 1998–1999 when the salinities of the upper water column were 73–75 g kg^{− 1}, less saline shoreline habitats may have been seeding the offshore rotifer populations.