FOOD WEB INTERACTIONS IN NEW YORK LAKES AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
135	3899	1070	50%
135	3899	1190	50%

Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: During 2009, the long-term data series was maintained on Oneida Lake including open water fish sampling of different age groups of walleye, yellow perch, white perch, and other species, as well as a nearshore sampling program directed at black bass and centrarchids. In addition, we sampled lower trophic levels, nutrient chemistry and temperature in the lake. A continuous temperature and oxygen buoy was deployed on the lake for the third year with direct link to shore and to a web site. The various studies under way in Oneida Lake focus on mechanisms of biotic interactions associated with fish, cormorants and zebra mussels. These studies and the 50 year long term data series now available from the lake form a powerful combination for gaining insights into the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. Additional data sets were made available through the knowledge network for biocomplexity and eCommons of the Cornell Mann Library (walleye, ice data) adding to the other 7 data sets already available. This work is continuing. Great Lakes work in 2009 included continuing analysis of the role of mysid shrimp in the food web, both the native species Mysis relicta and a new invader Hemimysis anomala. Work also continues on understanding the spatial dynamics of species interactions, with particular emphasis on alewife- rainbow smelt interactions in Lake Champlain and on development of acoustics methods for better measures of abundance and distributions. During 2009, we published 16 scientific papers in the peer reviewed literature that are listed below and 4 PhD and Masters theses were based on the Oneida and Great Lakes projects. The Oneida Lake initiative is an outreach program intended for local schools organized in association with this project and we provided educational materials to include in classroom learning using Oneida Lake information (www.oneidalakeinitiative.org). This program reached almost all school districts around the lake in 2009. Results from Oneida Lake and Great Lakes studies were presented at numerous scientific meetings and invited presentations, but also for local stakeholder groups (Oneida Lake Association, Bass fishermen association, Oneida Watershed Council), and to management biologist associated with technical committees in NY state and elsewhere. PARTICIPANTS: PI:s Lars Rudstam, Randolph Jackson, Edward Mills. This project is funded by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation through Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration. Additional funding in 2009 was obtained from New York Sea Grant, the Environmental Protection Agency, and local municipalities. The people working on these projects at the Cornell Biological Field Station are Thomas Brooking, Scott Krueger, JoAnne Getchonis, Kristen Holeck, Andrew Seifert, Jonathan Swan, William Thelen, Christofer Hotaling, and Brian Young. Graduate student receiving training associated with this project in 2009 are William Fetzer, Brent Boscarino, Kristen Holeck, Scott Krueger, Robin DeBruyne, Jeremy Coleman, Jim Watkins, Paul Simonin and Elizabeth Craig. Postdoctoral trainees are Brent Boscarino and Rahmat Naddafi. Collaborators elsewhere includes faculty from Cornell (Ellis Loew, Paul Curtis, Tom Brown, Nelson Hairston, Amy McCune, Milo Richmond, Rebecca Schneider, Pat Sullivan), SUNY-ESF (John Farrell, Karin Limburg, Kimberly Schulz, Don Stewart, Greg Boyer, Mark Teece), other SUNY schools (Bill Harman, Mark Cronwell, Joe Makarweicz, Alexander Karatayev, Lyuba Burkalova, Amy Welsh), Purdue University (Thomas Hook, Marisol Sepulveda, Andrew DeWoody, Matt Hale, Core McCormick), University of Michigan (Edward Rutherford), Michigan State University (Brian Irwin, William Taylor, Mohammed Faisal, Scott Peacor), University of Vermont (Donna Parrish), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (John Jansen, Carmen Aguilar, Russell Cuhel), University of Toledo (Chris Mayer), University of Wisconsin Stevens Point (Nancy Nate, Michael Hansen). Active projects in 2009 involved collaborations with Doug Stang, Shaun Keeler, Jeff Loukmas, Dan Bishop, Brad Hammers, Steve Hurst, Norman McBride, Web Pearsall, Steven LaPan, Fred Henson, Jana Lantry, Michael Connerton and Don Einhouse (NYSDEC); Dave MacNeill and Dave White (Sea Grant); Jim Johnson, Brian Lantry, Robert O'Gorman, Maureen Walsh, Dawn Dittman, Dave Warner (USGS); Travis DeVault (National Wildlife Services), Michael Arts, Ron Dermott , John Fitzsimons, Ora Johannsson, Marten Koops, Kelly Bowens, Scott Millard, Ken Minns, and Mohi Munawar (Canada Centre for Inland Waters); Bart DeStasio (Lawrence Univ.); Ken Rose (Lousianna State University); John Post (Univ. of Calgary); Hugh MacIsaac (Univ. of Windsor); Ted Schaner, John Casselman, Jim Hoyle, Bruce Morrison and Larry Witzel (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources); Brad Baldwin (St. Lawrence University); Jixiang He and Randall Claramunt (Michigan DNR), T. Axenrot (Swedish Fisheries Institute), Helge Balk (University of Oslo), F. Knudsen (Simrad), C. Caceres (Univ. of Illinois); N. Idrisi (U. Virgin Islands); D. Mason (NOAA-GERL); David Hamilton (New Zealand); Mike Jech (NMFS Woods Hole); John Horne , Sandra Parker Stetter (University of Washington); Mike Powers, Robert Hecky, Ralph Smith (University of Waterloo); Donna Parrish (University of Vermont); Bernie Pientka (Vermont Fish and Game), and Anne Saltman (Central NY Regional Planning and Development Board). TARGET AUDIENCES: Managers, scientist, stakeholders in fisheries and aquatic environmental protection in New York, Canada, and elsewhere. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Studies on fish communities and species interactions in Oneida Lake are useful for fisheries management in New York and throughout the U.S. Our long term assessment of Oneida Lake and its biota is a barometer of changes to expect in inland lakes from invasive species and climate change. Fisheries management will need to adapt to these changes. In 2009 we completed studies on cormorant behavior, use of reaction norms to understand walleye life history patterns, an analysis of over winter mortality in gizzard shad, sequencing the sturgeon genome, long term patterns in yellow perch mortality and growth, thiaminase in cormorant eggs, modeling of ecosystem structure, and the use of integrative approaches to education. In the Great Lakes, we have summarized long term changes in Lake Ontario, looked at the use of satellite information, experimented and modeled mysid vertical migrations and interactions with alewife, and worked with development of hydroacoustics for great lakes assessment.

Publications

Ketola, G.H., Johnson, J.H., Adams, C.M., and Farquhar, J.F. 2009. Influence of diet of double-crested cormorants on thiamine, lead, and mineral contents of their eggs. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 24: 39-43
Miehls, A.L.J., Mason, D.M., Frank, K.A., Krause, A.E., Peacor, S.D., and Taylor, W.W. 2009. Invasive species impacts on ecosystem structure and function: A comparison of Oneida Lake, New York, USA, before and after zebra mussel invasion. Ecol. Model. 220: 3194-3209.
Miehls, A.L.J., Mason, D.M., Frank, K.A., Krause, A.E., Peacor, S.D., and Taylor, W.W. 2009. Invasive species impacts on ecosystem structure and function: A comparison of the Bay of Quinte, Canada and Oneida Lake, New York, USA, before and after zebra mussel invasion. Ecol. Model. 220: 3182-3193.
Mills, E.L., Holeck, K.T., Watkins, J.M., and Munawar, M. 2009. Chasing ecological change in large lake ecosystems: The Lake Ontario Story. Verh. Internat. Verein. Limnol. 30: 1020-1023.
Moslemi, J.M., Capps, K.A., Johnson, M.S., Maul, J., McIntyre, P.B., Melvin, A.M., Vadas, T.M., Vallano, D.M., Watkins, J.M., and Weiss, M. 2009. Training tomorrow's environmental problem-solvers: an integrative approach to graduate education. BioScience 59: 514-521.
Rudstam, L.G., and Johannsson, O.E. 2009. Introduction to Advances in the ecology of freshwater mysids. Aquatic Biology 5: 246-248.
Rudstam, L.G., Sullivan, P.J., Parker-Stetter, S.L., and Warner, D.M. 2009. Towards a standard operating procedure for fisheries acoustic surveys in the Laurentian Great Lakes, North America. ICES J. Mar. Sci. 66: 1391-1397
Wang, H.-Y., Cook, H.A., Einhouse, D.W., Fielder, D.G., Kayle, K.A., Rudstam, L.G., and Hook, T.O. 2009. Maturation schedules of walleye populations in the Great Lakes region: comparison of maturation indices and evaluation of sampling-induced biases. N. Am. J. Fish. Managem. 29: 1540-1554.
Watkins, J.M. 2009. Comparison of shipboard and satellite measurements of surface water temperature and chlorophyll a in Lake Ontario. Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management. 12: 271-280.
Rudstam, L. G. 2009. Other zooplankton. Pages 667-677 in G. E. Likens, editor. Encyclopedia of inland waters Volume 3. Elsevier.Oxford, UK.
Boscarino, B. 2009. Effects of light on the feeding interactions and spatial distributions of opossum shrimp, Mysis relicta, and the alewife, Alosa pseudoharengus, Lake Ontario. PhD thesis, Cornell University.
Coleman, J. T. H. 2009. Diving behavior, predator-prey dynamics, and management efficacy of Double-crested Cormorants in New York State. PhD thesis. Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.
Wang, H. Y. 2009. Intra-specific life history variation of Great Lakes fishes: environmental and fisheries-induced selection. PhD thesis. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Fetzer, W. W. 2009. Over-winter mortality of gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) in Oneida Lake, New York. Masters thesis. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
Boscarino, B.T., Rudstam, L.G., Eillenberger, J.J., and OGorman, R. 2009. Assessing the importance of light, temperature, zooplankton and fish on the night-time vertical distribution of Mysis diluviana: A test of three models. Aquatic Biology 5: 263-279.
Boscarino, B.T., Rudstam, L.G., Loew, E.R., and Mills, E.L. 2009. Predicting the vertical distribution of the opossum shrimp, Mysis relicta, in Lake Ontario: a test of laboratory-based light preferences. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 66: 101-113.
Brooking, T.E., and Rudstam, L.G. 2009. Hydroacoustic target strength distributions of alewife an a net cage compared to field surveys: deciphering target strength distributions and effect on density estimates. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 138: 471-486
Gordon, K. M. 2009. A residential data duration internship:opportunities and challenges. Pages 185-186 in H. R. Tibbo, C. Hank, C. A. Lee, and R. Clemens, editors. Proceedings of DigCCurr 2009. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC USA.
Hale, M.C., McCormick, C. Jackson, J.R. and DeWoody, J.A. 2009. Next-generation pyrosequencing of gonad transcriptomes in the polyploid lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens): the relative merits of normalization and rarefaction in gene discovery. BMC Genomics 10: Article 203.
Irwin, B.J., Rudstam, L.G., Jackson, J.R., VanDeValk, A.J., Forney, J.L., and Fitzgerald, D.G. 2009. Depensatory mortality, density-dependent growth, and delayed compensation: disentangling the interplay of mortality, growth, and density during early life stages of yellow perch. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 138: 99-110.

Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: During 2008, the long-term data series was maintained on Oneida Lake including open water fish sampling of different age groups of walleye, yellow perch, white perch, and other species, as well as a new nearshore sampling program directed at black bass and centrarchids. In addition, we sampled lower trophic levels, nutrient chemistry and temperature in the lake. A continuous temperature and oxygen buoy was deployed on the lake for the second year with direct link to shore. The various studies under way in Oneida Lake focus on mechanisms of biotic interactions associated with fish, cormorants and zebra mussels. We also developed models of aquatic macrophyte distributions and coupling with hydrodynamics of the lake with predictions of climate change effects. These studies and the 50 year long term data series now available from the lake form a powerful combination for gaining insights into the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. Several data sets are now available through the knowledge network for biocomplexity and eCommons of the Cornell Mann Library (gillnet, trawl, zooplankton, zebra mussels, benthic invertebrates, and limnology). This work is continuing. Work also continues on understanding the spatial dynamics of species interactions, with particular emphasis on mysid shrimps in the Great Lakes and alewife- rainbow smelt interactions in Lake Champlain and on development of acoustics methods for better measures of abundance and distributions. During 2008, we published 11 papers in the peer reviewed literature that are listed below. We taught a workshop on standard operating procedure for Great Lakes acoustics in Michigan for 25 participants from around the Great Lakes region. Additionally, we developed a web page www.acosuticsunpacked.org with information for hydroacoustic analysis. The Oneida Lake initiative is an outreach program intended for local schools organized in association with this project and we provided educational materials to include in classroom learning using Oneida Lake information (www.oneidalakeinitiative.org). This program reached over 3000 school children from K to 12th grade in 2008. Results from Oneida Lake and Great Lakes studies were presented at numerous scientific meetings and invited presentations, but also for local stakeholder groups (Oneida Lake Association, Bass fishermen association, Oneida Watershed Council), and to management biologist associated with technical committees in NY state and elsewhere (South Dakota, Michigan). PARTICIPANTS: Participants Lars Rudstam, PI, Associate Professor. Randolph Jackson, PI, Senior Research Associate Edward Mills, PI, Professor This project is funded by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation through Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration. Additional funding in 2007 was obtained from New York Sea Grant, the Environmental Protection Agency, and local municipalities. The list of collaborators and contacts is long. The people working on these projects at the Cornell Biological Field Station are Anthony VanDeValk, Thomas Brooking, Scott Krueger, JoAnne Getchonis, Kristen Holeck, Andrew Seifert, Sara McConnachie, Jonathan Swan, William Thelen, and Brian Young. Graduate student receiving training associated with this project in 2008 are William Fetzer, Brent Boscarino, Kristen Holeck, Scott Krueger, Robin DeBruyne, Jeremy Coleman, Jim Watkins. Postdoctoral trainees are Aude Lochet and Rahmat Naddafi. Collaborators elsewhere includes faculty from Cornell (Bernd Blossey, Paul Bowser, Ellis Loew, Milo Richmond, Rebecca Schneider, Pat Sullivan), SUNY-ESF (John Farrell, Karin Limburg, Neil Ringler, Kimberly Schulz, Don Stewart, Greg Boyer), University of Toledo (Chris Mayer), University of Wisconsin Stevens Point (Nancy Nate, Michael Hansen). Active projects in 2008 involved collaborations wit Doug Stang, Shaun Keeler, Jeff Loukmas, Dan Bishop, Brad Hammers, Steve Hurst, Norman McBride, Web Pearsall, Steven LaPan, Fred Henson, Jana Lantry, Michael Connerton and Don Einhouse (NYSDEC); Dave MacNeill and Dave White (Sea Grant); Jim Johnson, Brian Lantry, Robert O'Gorman, Maureen Walsh, Dawn Dittman, Dave Warner (USGS); Travis DeVault (National Wildlife Services), Michael Arts, Ron Dermott , John Fitzsimons, Ora Johannsson, Marten Koops, Kelly Bowens, Scott Millard, Ken Minns, and Mohi Munawar (Canada Centre for Inland Waters); Bart DeStasio (Lawrence Univ.); Ken Rose (Oak Ridge Laboratory); John Post (Univ. of Calgary); Hugh MacIsaac (Univ. of Windsor); Ted Schaner, John Casselman, Jim Hoyle, Bruce Morrison and Larry Witzel (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources); Brad Baldwin (St. Lawrence University); Ed Rutherford and Thomas Hook (Univ. of Michigan); Brian Irwin (Michigan State University), Jixiang He and Randall Claramunt (Michigan DNR), T. Axenrot (Swedish Fisheries Institute), Helge Balk (University of Oslo), F. Knudsen (Simrad), C. Caceres (Univ. of Illinois); B. Harman (SUNY Oneonta); D. Strayer (Institute for Ecosystem Studies); N. Idrisi (University of Virgin Islands); D. Mason, S. Peacor (NOAA-GERL); David Hamilton (New Zealand); John Cooper (Cooper Environmental); Dean Fitzgerald (EcoMetrix Inc); Mark Arrigo, Elizabeth Moran (Ecologic); Larry Greenberg and Eva Bergman (Karlstad University); Mike Jech (NMFS Woods Hole); John Horne , Sandra Parker Stetter (University of Washington); Mike Powers, Robert Hecky, Ralph Smith (University of Waterloo); Donna Parrish (University of Vermont); Bernie Pientka (Vermont Fish and Game), David Willis (South Dakota State University); Jeff Boxrucker (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation), and Anne Saltman (Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board). TARGET AUDIENCES: Managers, scientist, stakeholders in fisheries and aquatic environmental protection in New York, Canada, and elsewhere. Workshops were held at Michigan DNR for improving knowledge of acoustic techniques and at SUNY Oswego for local stakeholders to inform on the status of Lake Ontario. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Studies on fish communities and species interactions in Oneida Lake are useful for fisheries management in New York and throughout the U.S. Climate change has already affected fish communities through declines in cold water fish species such as burbot, and increase in southern species such as gizzard shad. We have quantified the likely changes in lake hydrodynamics using a dynamic reservoir model. These changes include declines in ice cover to a few weeks by the end of the century. A new invader, the quagga mussel, was discovered in the lake which may further increase water clarity. An experiment on the effect of zebra mussel and nutrients on plants indicated that the major effect causing increases in plant growth and species diversity is increased water clarity, not direct attachment or decrease in nutrient loading. European frogbit, and invading floating plant is now abundant in parts of Oneida Lake, and experiments show that they likely will spread further south with no control. Our long term assessment of Oneida Lake and its biota is a barometer of changes to expect in inland lakes. Fisheries management will need to adapt to these changes. We have investigated the relative catchability of different age groups of walleye in different fishing gear and how to use modern estimation techniques to get best estimates of fish abundance from indices associated with different gear. Also, we tested relative weight as a function of food availability and the performance of bioenergetics models for walleye growth in Oneida Lake. Our work on the effects of cormorants on fish populations continues and is used across the great lakes region. In the Great Lakes, we have shown that zooplankton and phytoplankton abundance decreased to record low level in 2003 in Lake Ontario, that RNA and protein indices are useful for assessing mysid growth, and developed techniques for assessing mysid abundance using hydroacoustics.

Publications

Hotto, A.M., Satchwell, M.F., Berry, D.L., Gobler, C.J., and Boyer, G. L. 2008. Spatial and temporal diversity of microcystins and microcystin-producing genotypes in Oneida Lake, NY. Harmful Algae 7 671-681.
Holeck, K.T., Watkins, J.M., Mills, E.L., Johannsson, O.E., Millard, S., Richardson, V. and Bowen, K. 2008. Spatial and long-term temporal assessment of Lake Ontario water clarity, nutrients, chlorophyll a, and zooplankton. Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management. 11: 377-391.
Irwin, B.J., Treska, T.J., Rudstam, L.G., Sullivan, P.J., Jackson, J.R., VanDeValk, A.J., and Forney, J. L. 2008. Estimating walleye density, gear catchability, and mortality using three fishery-independent data sets for Oneida Lake, New York. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 65: 1366-1378.
Jackson, J.R. 2008. The debate over teaching evolution in public schools: background of the American Fisheries Society Resolution Concerning the Teaching of Alternatives to Evolution. Fisheries 33:135-139.
Jackson, J. R., VanDeValk, A.J., Forney, J.L., Lantry, B.F., Brooking, T.E., and Rudstam, L.G. 2008. Long-term dynamics of burbot in Oneida Lake, New York: life at the southern edge of the range in an era of climate change. Am. Fish. Soc. Symp. 59: 131-152.
Rudstam, L. G., Knudsen, F.R., Balk, H., Gal, G., Boscarino, B.T., and Axenrot, T. 2008. Acoustic characterization of Mysis relicta at multiple frequencies. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 68: 2769-2779.
Sable, S.E., and Rose, K.A. 2008. A comparison of individual-based and matrix projection models for simulating yellow perch population dynamics in Oneida Lake, New York, USA. Ecol. Model. 215:105-121.
Smith, J.L., Boyer, G.L., Mills, E. and Schultz, K.L. 2008. Toxicity of Microcystin-LR, cyanobacterial toxin, to multiple life states of the burrowing mayfly, Hexagenia, and possible implications for recruitment. Environmental Toxicology: 23: 499-506.
VanDeValk, A.J., Forney, J.L. and Jackson, J.R. 2008. Relationships between relative weight, prey availability and growth of walleye in Oneida Lake, New York. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 28:1868-1875.
Walsh, M.G., O'Gorman, R., Strang, T., Edwards, W.H., Rudstam, L.G. 2008. Fall diets of alewife, rainbow smelt, and slimy sculpin in the profundal zone of southern Lake Ontario during 1994-2005 with an emphasis on occurrence of Mysis relicta. Aquatic Ecosystem Health Manage. 11: 368-376.
Zhu, B., Mayer, C.M., Rudstam, L.G., Mills, E.L., Ritchie, M.E. 2008. Experimental examination of light and phosphorus effects on submerged macrophytes: implications for ecosystem changes in North American lakes. Aquatic Botany 88: 358-362.
Zhu, B., Eppers, M.E., and Rudstam, L.G. 2008. Predicting invasion of European frogbit in the Finger Lakes of New York. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management 46: 186-189.
Johannsson, O.E., Bowen, K.L., Wood, C.M., Smith, R., Chu, C., Rudstam, L.G., and Boscarino, B. 2008. The development of nucleic acid and protein indices to assess growth in Mysis relicta: determination of the effects of temperature, metabolism and ration. Aquatic Biology 4:33-46.
Lantry, B.F., Rudstam, L.G., Forney, J.L., VanDeValk, A.J., Mills, E.L., and Stewart ,D.J. 2008. Comparisons between consumption estimates from bioenergetics simulations and field measurements for walleye in Oneida Lake, NY. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 137:1406-1421.
Rudstam, L,G., Schaner, T., Gal, G., Boscarino, B.T., O'Gorman, R., Warner, D.M., Johannsson, O.E., and Bowen, K. 2008. Hydroacoustic measures of Mysis relicta abundance and distribution in Lake Ontario. Aquatic Ecosystem Health Manage. 11:355-367

Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: During 2007, the long-term data series was maintained on Oneida Lake and augmented with a nearshore component for fish, and a continuous temperature and oxygen buoy with direct link to shore. The various studies under way in Oneida Lake focus on mechanisms of biotic interactions associated with fish, cormorants and zebra mussels. These studies and the 50 year long term data series now available from the lake form a powerful combination for gaining insights into the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. We have therefore also started the process of making data available through a Cornell Library system data repository. Work also continues on understanding the spatial dynamics of species interactions, with particular emphasis on mysid shrimps in the Great Lakes and alewife- rainbow smelt interactions in Lake Champlain and on development of acoustics methods for better measures of abundance and distributions. During 2007, we published papers on the effect pf temperature on the distribution of mysid shrimps, the importance of cannibalism in fish populations, aging methods for fish used nationwide, angler - fish interactions, declines in benthic invertebrates in Lake Ontario associated with zebra/quagga mussels, stocking strategies for walleye, acoustics methods, methods for estimating submerged aquatic macrophytes, the biology of Chinook salmon during their first years of life in Lake Ontario, and the effects of zebra mussels on aquatic plants. We held a workshop on acoustic techniques and plankton distribution, presented our work for state biologist at NY State managers meetings and for a larger region at Michigan State (cormorant managers) and University of Michigan (Great Lakes managers). We also presented results for the general public (Oneida Lake Association, Bass fishermen association, CBFS open house) and provided science-based materials to Oneida Lake watershed community educators through the Oneida Lake Watershed Education Initiative. PARTICIPANTS: Lars Rudstam, Principal Investigator, Associate Professor. James R. Jackson, Principal Investigator, Senior Research Associate, and Edward Mills, Principal Investigator, Professor. Principal funding for this project is from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation through Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration. Additional funding in 2007 was obtained from New York Sea Grant and the Environmental Protection Agency. The list of collaborators and contacts is long. The people working on these projects at the Cornell Biological Field Station are Anthony VanDeValk, Thomas Brooking, JoAnne Getchonis, Kristen Holeck, Sara McConnachie, Jonathan Swan, William Thelen, and Brian Young. Graduate student receiving training associated with this project in 2007 are William Fetzer, Brent Boscarino, Scott Krueger, Robin DeBruyne, Jeremy Coleman, and Jim Watkins. Collaborators elsewhere include faculty from Cornell (Bernd Blossey, Paul Bowser, Russ Lloyd, Ellis Loew, Milo Richmond, Rebecca Schneider, Pat Sullivan, Todd Cowen), SUNY-ESF (John Farrell, Karin Limburg, Neil Ringler, Kimberly Schulz, Don Stewart, Greg Boyer), and University of Toledo (Chris Mayer). Gideon Gal was on sabbatical leave at Cornell in 2006/07. Active projects in 2007 involved collaborations wit Doug Stang, Shaun Keeler, Jeff Loukmas, Dan Bishop, Brad Hammers, Steve Hurst, Norman McBride, Web Pearsall, Steven LaPan, Fred Henson, Jana Lantry, Michael Connerton and Don Einhouse (NYSDEC); Dave MacNeill and Dave White (Sea Grant); Jim Johnson, Brian Lantry, Robert O'Gorman, Maureen Walsh, Dawn Dittman, Dave Warner (USGS); Travis DeVault (National Wildlife Services), Michael Arts, Ron Dermott , John Fitzsimons, Ora Johannsson, Marten Koops, Kelly Bowens, Scott Millard, Ken Minns, and Mohi Munawar (Canada Centre for Inland Waters); Bart DeStasio (Lawrence Univ.); Ken Rose (Oak Ridge Laboratory); John Post (Univ. of Calgary); Hugh MacIsaac (Univ. of Windsor); Ted Schaner, John Casselman, Jim Hoyle, Bruce Morrison and Larry Witzel (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources); Brad Baldwin (St. Lawrence University); Ed Rutherford and Thomas Hook (Univ. of Michigan); Brian Irwin (Michigan State University), Jixiang He (Michigan DNR), T. Axenrot (Swedish Fisheries Institute), Helge Balk (University of Oslo), F. Knudsen (Simrad), C. Caceres (Univ. of Illinois); B. Harman (SUNY Oneonta); D. Strayer (Institute for Ecosystem Studies); N. Idrisi (University of Virgin Islands); D. Mason, S. Peacor (NOAA-GERL); David Hamilton (New Zealand); John Cooper (Cooper Environmental); Dean Fitzgerald (EcoMetrix Inc); Mark Arrigo, Elizabeth Moran (Ecologic); Larry Greenberg and Eva Bergman (Karlstad University); Mike Jech (NMFS Woods Hole); John Horne , Sandra Parker Stetter (University of Washington); Mike Powers, Robert Hecky, Ralph Smith (University of Waterloo); Donna Parrish (University of Vermont); Bernie Pientka (Vermont Fish and Game), David Willis (South Dakota State University); Jeff Boxrucker (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation), and Anne Saltman (Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board). TARGET AUDIENCES: The primary target audience is the biologists at the New York State agencies charged with managing the states fisheries and aquatic resources. Secondary target is the general public using these resources and local educators through the Education Initiative. Additionally, we target scientists, educators, and managers both nation wide and world wide.

Impacts
Studies on fish communities and species interactions affect fisheries management in New York and throughout the U.S. In Oneida Lake, we have shown that the littoral zone is expanding with a resulting greater abundance of species associated with macrophytes and nearshore areas and that survival of southern species like gizzard shad is increasing. Fisheries management will need to adapt to these changes. Our work on the effects of cormorants on fish populations continues and is used across the Great Lakes region. Anglers are a dynamic component of lake ecosystems and their catch rates are affected by ecosystem processes. Exotic species continue to affect ecosystems and our observations include declines in the major benthic invertebrate in Lake Ontario (Diporeia, an amphipod) associated with quagga mussel invasions and declines in smaller zooplankton species associated with the invasion of a predatory cladocerans (Cercopagis pengoi). Methodological advances includes a review of aging methods in fisheries, acoustics methods, otolith analysis, plant surveys, and use of angler diary records. Through the Oneida Lake Education Initiative, programs have been designed for students in watershed community schools and lake users to provide a greater understanding of lake and watershed interactions, improved fisheries and recreational opportunities, and effective ways to control invasive species and non-point source pollution throughout the Oneida Lake Watershed region.

Publications

Parker Stetter, S. L., J. L. Stritzel Thomson, L. G. Rudstam, D. L. Parrish and P. J .Sullivan. 2007. Importance and predictability of cannibalism in rainbow smelt. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc 136:227-237.
Jackson, J. R. 2007. Earliest references to age determination of fishes and their early application to the study of fisheries. Fisheries 32:321-328.
Principe, N. D., C. E. Kraft, and E. L. Mills. 2007. Gastric Evacuation and Daily Ration of Naturally Produced Age-0 Chinook Salmon in Lake Ontario. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 136:1206-1215.
Maceina, M. J., J. Boxrucker, D. L. Buckmeier, R. S. Gangl, D. O. Lucchesi, D. A. Isermann, J. R. Jackson, and P. J. Martinez. 2007. Current status and a review of freshwater fish aging procedures used by State and Provincial fisheries agencies with recommendations for future directions. Fisheries 32:329-340.
Boscarino, B. T., L. G. Rudstam, S. Mata, G. Gal, O. E. Johannsson, and E. L. Mills. 2007. The effects of temperature and predator-prey interactions on the migration behavior and vertical distribution of Mysis relicta. Limnol. Oceanogr. 53:1599-1613.
VanDeValk, A. J., T. E. Brooking, J. R. Jackson, and L. G. Rudstam. 2007. Contribution of stocked walleyes to the fishery in Oneida Lake, New York. N. Am. J. Fish. Manage 27:1018-1024.
VanDeValk, A. J., J. R. Jackson, S. D. Krueger, T. E. Brooking, and L. G. Rudstam. 2007. Influence of party size and trip length on angler catch rates on Oneida Lake, New York. N. Am. J. Fish. Manage. 27:127-136.
Watkins, J. L., R. Dermott, S. J. Lozano, E. L. Mills, L. G. Rudstam, and J. V. Scharold. 2007. The changing benthos of Lake Ontario: analysis of whole-lake assessments of Diporeia and dreissenid mussels. J. Great Lakes Res. 33:642-657.
Willms, A. R. and D. M. Green. 2007. Reconstruction of walleye exploitation based on angler diary records and a model of predicted catches. Mathematical Biosciences 210:96-120.
Zhu, B., C. M. Mayer, S. A. Heckathorn, and L. G. Rudstam. 2007. Can dreissenid attachment and biodeposition affect submerged macrophyte growth? J. Aquatic Plant Manage. 45: 71-76.
Zhu, B., D. G. Fitzgerald, S. B. Hoskins, L. G. Rudstam, C. M. Mayer, and E. L. Mills. 2007. Quantification of historical changes of submerged aquatic vegetation cover in two bays of Lake Ontario with three complementary methods. J. Great Lakes Res. 33:122-135.
Fitzgerald, D. G., B. Zhu, S. B. Hoskins, D. E. Haddad, K. N. Green, L. G. Rudstam, and E. L. Mills. 2006. Quantifying submerged aquatic vegetation using aerial photograph interpretation: Application in studies assessing fish habitat in freshwater ecosystems. Fisheries 31:61-73.
Gal, G., L. G. Rudstam, E. L. Mills, J. R. Lantry, O. E. Johannsson, and C. H. Greene. 2006. Mysid and fish zooplanktivory in Lake Ontario: quantification of direct and indirect effects. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 63:2734-2747.
Parker Stetter, S. L., L. G. Rudstam, J. L. Stritzel Thomson, and D. L. Parrish. 2006. Hydroacoustic separation of rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) age groups in Lake Champlain. Fish. Res. 82:176-185.
Smith, N. G., P. J. Sullivan, and L. G. Rudstam. 2006. Using otolith microstructure to determine natal origin of Lake Ontario Chinook salmon. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 135:908-914.
Warner, D. M., L. G. Rudstam, H. Benoit, E. L. Mills, and O. E. Johannsson. 2006. Changes in the nearshore zooplankton abundance patterns in Lake Ontario following establishment of the exotic predator Cercopagis pengoi. J. Great Lakes Res. 32:531-542.
Smirnova-Zalumni, N. S., N. G. Melnik, V. V. Smirnov, S. B. Popov, S. M. Goncharov, and L. G. Rudstam. 2007. Seasonal distribution of omul (Coregonus autumnalis migratorius (Georgi)) in Lake Baikal: implications for acoustics assessment. Fundam. Appl. Limnol. (Arch. Hydrobiol) Spec. Issues Advanc Limnol 60:237-243.

Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
During 2006, the long-term data series was maintained on Oneida Lake and augmented with analyses of YOY fish abundance, interactions between angler catch rates and walleye growth rates, catchability of walleye in different sampling gear, analysis of effect of increased water clarity on plant distributions, and stable isotopes as food web indicators. We also increased our attention to the nearshore fish communities and to the black bass fishery. The various studies under way in Oneida Lake focus on mechanisms of biotic interactions associated with fish interactions and effect of cormorants and zebra mussels. These studies and the 50 year long term data series now available from the lake form a powerful combination for gaining insights into the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. Studies in Oneida Lake are often used as a base for studies throughout the US. An example for 2006 is our ongoing analysis of walleye dynamics in an ecosystem context, which includes comparisons of Bay of Quinte and Oneida Lake. During 2006, we published papers on ecosystem changes associated with zebra mussel mediated increase in water clarity, analysis of food web networks using Oneida Lake data (M.Sc. thesis), use of zooplankton size structure to predict ecosystem changes, and an analysis of over winter mortality of gizzard shad, white perch and yellow perch. Over winter mortality is likely changing due to climate warming, and large number of age-0 gizzard shad survived the winter in Oneida Lake for the first time.

Impacts
Studies on fish communities and species interactions affect fisheries management in New York and throughout the U.S. Walleye-yellow perch are a common species complex of considerable economic value throughout North America. Cormorants have increased across the great lakes region but impacts on sport fisheries rarely documented. Anglers are a dynamic component of lake ecosystems and their behavior is affected by ecosystem processes through effects on catch rates. Climate warming is likely to change the fish community in lakes throughout North America and our experiments and analysis suggest changes towards a gizzard shad dominated system. Zooplankton size structure is a possible tool for detecting ecosystem change, and can provide a cost-efficient indicator. Exotic species continue to affect ecosystems and our observations of increased macrophyte beds is likely causing increases in littoral zone fish species. This is likely true in other lakes as well.

Publications

Gamble, A., R. Lloyd, J. Aiken, O. E. Johannsson, and E. L. Mills. 2006. Using zooplankton biomass size spectra to assess ecological change in a well-studied freshwater lake ecosystem: Oneida Lake, New York. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences:2687-2699.
Fitzgerald, D. G., J. L. Forney, L. G. Rudstam, B. J. Irwin, and A. J. VanDeValk. 2006. Gizzard shad put a freeze on winter mortality of yellow perch but not white perch: analysis of age-0 winter survival. Ecological Applications 16:1487-1501.
Zhu, B., D. G. Fitzgerald, C. M. Mayer, L. G. Rudstam, and E. L. Mills. 2006. Alteration of ecosystem function by zebra mussels in Oneida Lake NY: impacts on submerged macrophytes. Ecosystems 9:1017-1028.

Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05

Outputs
During 2005, the long-term data series was maintained on Oneida Lake and augmented with analyses of YOY fish abundance, interactions between angler catch rates and walleye growth rates, catchability of walleye in different sampling gear, analysis of effect of increased water clarity on plant distributions, and stable isotopes as food web indicators. We also increased our attention to the nearshore fish communities and to the black bass fishery. The various studies under way in Oneida Lake focus on mechanisms of biotic interactions associated with fish interactions and effect of cormorants and zebra mussels. These studies and the 40+ year long term data series now available from the lake form a powerful combination for gaining insights into the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. Studies in Oneida Lake are often used as a base for studies throughout the US. An example for 2005 is our ongoing analysis of walleye dynamics in an ecosystem context, which includes comparisons of Bay of Quinte and Oneida Lake. Another are studies on cormorant fish interactions in Ontario, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota that rely heavily on our Oneida results. During 2005, we published papers on agency use of stocked fish across the US, analysis of growth patterns in Oneida Lake walleye, effect of alewife abundance on the prevalence of early mortality syndrome in salmonids, effects of exotics invertebrates on energy conversion in rainbow smelt, effect of walleye growth on angler catch rates, and a review of the current status of Lake Ontario.

Impacts
Studies on fish communities and species interactions affect fisheries management in New York and throughout the U.S. Walleye-yellow perch is a common species complex of considerable economic value throughout North America. Cormorants have increased across the great lakes region but impacts on sport fisheries rarely documented. Anglers are a dynamic component of lake ecosystem and their behavior is affected by ecosystem processes through effects on catch rates. In our 2005 publication, we show that catch rates can be more affected by walleye growth and by extension prey availability than by walleye abundance. Disease and nutrition are important in ecological that needs more attention for understanding population dynamics. Our paper on the effect of alewife on thiaminase uptake in lake trout is a step in this direction. The publication on fish stocking as a management tool across the US documents current use and discuss implications of stocking, both positive and negative. This paper is an important status report on this management tool. Exotic species continue to be a threat to our ecosystems and need to be documented. In 2005, we report on the arrival of the European valve snail to the Great Lakes area. Growth rates in fish are often described by the vonBertanlanfy growth curve. Using long-term data from Oneida Lake, we show that a three stage growth model better describe the changes in growth patterns over time in Oneida Lake. This is likely true in other lakes as well.

Publications

He, J. X., L. G. Rudstam, J. L. Forney, A. J. VanDeValk, and D. J. Stewart 2005. Long-term patterns in growth of Oneida Lake walleye: a multivariate and stage-explicit approach for applying the von Bertalanffy growth function. J. Fish Biol. 66:1459-1470.
Jackson, J. R., J. C. Boxrucker, and D. W. Willis. 2004. Trends in agency use of propagated fishes as a management tool in inland fisheries. Proceedings of the symposium on propagated fishes in resources management. American Fisheries Society Symposium 44:121-138.
Mills, E. L., J. M. Casselman, R. Dermott, J. D. Fitzsimons, G. Gal, K. T. Holeck, J. A. Hoyle, O. E. Johannsson, B. F. Lantry, J. C. Makarewicz, E. S. Millard, I. F. Munawar, M. Munawar, R. O'Gorman, R. W. Owens, L. G. Rudstam, T. Schaner, and T. J. Stewart. 2005. A synthesis of ecological and fish community changes in Lake Ontario, 1970-2000. Great Lakes Fishery Commission Technical Report 67.
Coleman, J. T. H., M. E. Richmond, L. G. Rudstam, and P. M. Mattison. 2005. Foraging location and site fidelity of resident Double-crested Cormorants on Oneida Lake, New York. Waterbirds 28:498-510.
VanDeValk, A. J., J. L. Forney, J. R. Jackson, L. G. Rudstam, T. E. Brooking, and S. D. Krueger. 2005. Angler catch rates and catchability of walleye in Oneida Lake, New York. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 25:1441-1447.
Fitzsimons, J. D., B. Williston, J. Zajicek, D. Tillitt, S. Brown, L. Brown, D. C. Honeyfield, D. Warner, L. G. Rudstam, and W. Pearsall. 2005. Thiamine content and thiaminase activity of ten freshwater stocks and one marine stock of alewives. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 17:26-35.
Grigorovich, I. A., E. L. Mills, C. B. Richards, D. Breneman, and J. H. Ciborowski. 2005. European valve snail Valvata piscinalis (Muller) in the Laurentian Great Lakes basin. Journal of Great Lakes Research 31:135-143.
Parker Stetter, S.L., L.D. Witzel, L.G. Rudstam, D.W. Einhouse, and E.L. Mills. 2005. Energetic consequences of diet shifts in Lake Erie rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax). Can J. Fish Aquat. Sci. 62:145-152.

Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
During 2004, the long-term data series was maintained on Oneida Lake and augmented with analyses of YOY fish abundance, and comparisons of walleye, anglers, and cormorants as mortality factors for walleye and yellow perch. The various studies under way in Oneida Lake focus on mechanisms of biotic interactions associated with fish interactions and effect of zebra mussels. These studies and the 40+ year long term data series now available from the lake form a powerful combination for gaining insights into the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. Studies in Oneida Lake serve as a catalyst for investigations across New York State, the Great Lakes, and throughout the US. For example, we presented an analysis of agency trends in the use of propagated fish as management tools during 2004 (Jackson et al., to be published in 2005). During 2004, we published papers on the role of cormorant on walleye and yellow perch in Oneida Lake, on the spread of walleye epidermal disease in Oneida Lake, on effects of oxygen injections on zooplankton distribution in a bay of Lake Ontario (Irondequoit Bay), and on the role of transoceanic shipment for the spread of exotic species in the great lakes basin.

Impacts
Studies on fish communities and species interactions affect fisheries management in New York and throughout the U.S. Walleye-yellow perch is a common species complex of considerable economic value throughout North America. Cormorants have increased across the great lakes region but impacts on sport fisheries rarely documented. Our study on cormorant-fish interactions is maybe the best study of cormorant fish interactions because of the availability of sufficient fish data to analyze effects of this avian piscivore. Our studies have spurred similar studies across US and Canada. Disease is an ecological process that needs more attention for understanding population dynamics. Our paper on the spread of a walleye virus is a step in this direction. Metalimnetic oxygen injection is a tool for decreasing low oxygen levels in the hypolimnion of lakes. We show that by manipulating the amount of oxygen injected, it was possible to create a refuge for large bodied zooplankton, which can increase the grazing pressure on phytoplankton and increase water clarity. Transoceanic shipping is probably the single most important vector for spread of exotic species to the Great Lakes. We explored patterns of transoceanic shipping for a better understanding of the location of ballast exchanges. As ballast water is increasingly being exchanged within the Great Lakes, exotics leapfrog to new areas, decreasing the time for the species to spread throughout these lakes.

Publications

Getchell, R. G., G. A. Wooster, L. G. Rudstam, A. J. VanDeValk, T. E. Brooking, and P. R. Bowser. 2004. Prevalence of walleye discrete epidermal hyperplasia by age class in walleyes from Oneida Lake, New York. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 16:23-28.
Holeck, K.T., E.L. Mils, H.J. MacIsaac, M.R. Dochoda, R.I. Colauta, and A. Ricciardi. 2004. Bridging troubled waters: Biological invasions, transoceanic shipping, and the Laurentian Great Lakes. BioScience 45: 919-929.
Klumb, R. A., K. L. Bunch, E. L. Mills, L. G. Rudstam, F. Arrhenius, G. Brown, C. Knauf, and R. Burton. 2004. Establishment of a metalimnetic refuge for zooplankton in a productive Lake Ontario embayment. Ecological Applications 14:113-131.
Rudstam, L. G., A. J. VanDeValk, C. M. Adams, J. T. H. Coleman, J. L. Forney, and M. E. Richmond. 2004. Double-crested cormorant predation and the population dynamics of walleye and yellow perch in Oneida Lake, New York. Ecological Applications 14:149-163.

Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
During 2003, the long-term data series was maintained on Oneida Lake and augmented with analysis of YOY fish abundance, comparison of walleye, anglers, and cormorants as mortality factors for walleye and yellow perch. The various studies under way in Oneida Lake focus on mechanisms of biotic interactions associated with fish interactions and effect of zebra mussels. These studies and the 40+ year long term data series now available from the lake form a powerful combination for gaining insights into the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. Studies in Oneida Lake serve as a catalyst for investigations across New York State including the Great Lakes. During 2003, we published analysis several papers on alewife in Lake Ontario (effects of the exotic predatory cladoceran Cercopagis pengoi on diets, bioenergetics of larval alewife, distribution of larval alewife), effects of zebra mussels on nearshore habitat, and a comprehensive overview of Lake Ontario food web and fisheries since 1970.

Impacts
Studies on fish communities and species interactions affect fisheries management in New York and throughout the US. Walleye-yellow perch is a common species complex of considerable economic value throughout North America. Alewife is the cornerstone for salmonid production in Lake Ontario and therefore also for a multimillion-dollar sport fishery, and our work have increased our understanding of the effect of exotics on alewife early life history. The Lake Ontario review paper is a milestone summarizing our current understanding and showing directions for future research. Understanding of predator-prey interactions imbedded in ecosystems is improved by the multi-disciplinary and long-term approach to the study of Oneida Lake and other systems. Understanding effects of exotics on food web interactions has practical implications for fisheries and water quality in all New York lakes.

Publications

Bushnoe, T. D. M. Warner, L. G. Rudstam, E. L. Mills. 2003. Cercopagis pengoi as a new prey item for alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) and rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) in Lake Ontario J. Great Lakes Res. 29:205-212.
Klumb, R. A., L. G. Rudstam, E. L. Mills, C. P. Schneider, and P. M. Sawyko. 2003. Importance of Lake Ontario embayments and nearshore habitats as nurseries for larval fishes with emphasis on alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus). J. Great Lakes Res. 29: 181-198.
Klumb, R. A., L. G. Rudstam and E. L. Mills. 2003. Respiration and swimming speed of larval and juvenile alewives: implications for bioenergetics models. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 132:1089-1103.
Mills, E. L., J.M. Casselman, R. Dermott, J.D. Fitzsimons, G. Gal, K.T. Holeck, J.A. Hoyle, O.E. Johannsson, B.F. Lantry, J.C. Makarewicz, E.S. Millard, M. Munawar, I.F. Munawar, R. O'Gorman, R.W. Owens, L.G. Rudstam, T. Schaner, and T.J. Stewart. 2003. Lake Ontario: Food web dynamics in a changing ecosystem (1970-2000). Can. J. Fish Aquat. Sci. 60:471-490.
Hall, S. R., N. K. Pauliukonis, E. L. Mills, L. G. Rudstam, C. P. Schneider, S. J. Lary, and F. Arrhenius. 2003. A comparison of total phosphorus, chlorophyll-a, and zooplankton in embayment, nearshore and offshore habitats of Lake Ontario. J. Great Lakes Res. 29:54-69.

Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02

Outputs
During 2002, the long-term data series was maintained on Oneida Lake and augmented with analysis of YOY fish abundance, comparison of walleye, anglers, and cormorants as mortality factors for walleye and yellow perch. The various studies under way in Oneida Lake focus on mechanisms of biotic interactions associated with fish interactions and effect of zebra mussels. These studies and the 40+ year long term data series now available from the lake form a powerful combination for gaining insights into the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. Studies in Oneida Lake serve as a catalyst for investigations across New York State including the Great Lakes. During 2002, we published analysis of effects of exotics (Cercopagis and Dreissenids), and comparison of angler harvest and cormorant predation of walleye and yellow perch in Oneida Lake.

Impacts
Studies on fish communities and species interactions affect fisheries management in New York and throughout the US. Walleye-yellow perch is a common species complex of considerable economic value throughout North America. Understanding of predator-prey interactions imbedded in ecosystems is improved by the multi-disciplinary and long-term approach to the study of Oneida Lake and other systems. Understanding effects of exotics on food web interactions has practical implications for fisheries and water quality in all New York lakes.

Publications

Benoit, H. P., O. E. Johannsson, D. M. Warner, W. G. Sprules, L.G. Rudstam 2002. Assessing the Impact of a Recent Predatory Invader: The Population Dynamics, Vertical Distribution and Potential Prey of Cercopagis pengoi in Lake Ontario. Limnology and Oceanography 47: 626-635.
Mayer, C. M., R. A. Keats, L. G. Rudstam and E. Mills. 2002. Scale-dependent effects of zebra mussels on benthic invertebrates in a large eutrophic lake. J. N. Am. Benth. Soc. 21:616-633.
VanDeValk, A. J., C. M. Adams, L. G. Rudstam, J. L. Forney, T. E. Brooking, M. Gerken, B. Young and J. Hooper. 2002. Comparison of angler and cormorant harvest of walleye and yellow perch in Oneida Lake, New York. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 131:27-39.
Vanderploeg, H.A., T.F. Nalepa, D.J. Jude, E.L. Mills, K.T. Holeck, J.R. Liebig, I.A. Grigorovich, and H. Ojaveer. 2002. Dispersal and emerging ecological impacts of Ponto-Caspian species in the Laurentian Great Lakes. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 59: 1209-1228.
Grigorovich, I.A., H.J. MacIsaac, N.V. Shadrin, and E.L. Mills. 2002. Patterns and mechanisms of aquatic invertebrate introductions in the Ponto-Caspian region. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 59: 1189-1208.
Baldwin, B.S., M.S. Mayer, J. Dayton, N. Pau, J. Mendilla, M. Sullivan, A. Moore, A. Ma, and E.L. Mills. 2002. Comparative growth and feeding in zebra and quagga mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and Dreissena bugensis): implications for North American lakes. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 59: 680-694.

Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01

Outputs
During 2001, the long term data series was maintained on Oneida Lake and augmented with analysis of YOY fish abundance, comparison of walleye, anglers, and cormorants as mortality factors for walleye and yellow perch. The various studies under way in Oneida Lake focus on mechanisms of biotic interactions associated with fish interactions and effect of zebra mussels. These studies and the 40 year long term data series now available from the lake form a powerful combination for gaining insights into the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. Studies in Oneida Lake serve as a catalyst for investigations across New York State including the Great Lakes. During 2001, we published analysis of effects of exotics (Bythotrephes, Cercopagis and Dreissenids), diet analysis and associated food web relationships of Mysis in Lake Ontario, and analysis of the walleye - perch interactions in Canadarago Lake, New York.

Impacts
Studies on fish communities and species interactions affect fisheries management in New York and throughout the US. Walleye-yellow perch is a common species complex of considerable economic value throughout North America. Understanding of predator-prey interactions imbedded in ecosystems is improved by the multi-disciplinary and long term approach to the study of Oneida Lake and other systems. Understanding effects of exotics on food web interactions has practical implications for fisheries and water quality in all New York lakes.

Publications

Makarewicz, J. C., I. A. Grigorovich, E. Mills, E. Damaske, M. E. Cristescu, W. Pearsall, M. J. LaVoie, R. Keats, L. Rudstam, P. Hebert, H. Halbritter, T. Kelly, C. Matkovich, and H. J. MacIsaac. 2001. Distribution, fecundity, genetics and dispersal of Cercopagis pengoi (Crustacea, Cladocera) - a new exotic zooplankter in the Great Lakes basin. J. Great Lakes Res. 27:19-32.
Olson, M. H., D. M. Green and L. G. Rudstam. 2001. Changes in yellow perch (Perca flavescens) growth associated with the establishment of a walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) population in Canadarago Lake, New York (USA). Ecology of Freshwater Fish 10:11-20.
Parker, S. L., L. G. Rudstam, E. L. Mills and D. W. Einhouse. 2001. Retention of Bythotrephes spines in the stomachs of eastern Lake Erie rainbow smelt. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 130:988-994.
Mayer, C.M., L. G. Rudstam, E. L. Mills, S. G. Cardiff, and C. A. Bloom. 2001. Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), habitat alteration, and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) foraging: system-wide effects and behavioural mechanisms. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 58:2459-2467.
Johannsson, O. E., M. F. Leggett, L. G. Rudstam, M. R. Servos, A. Mohammadian, G. Gal, R. M Dermott, R. H. Hesslein. 2001. Diet of Mysis relicta in Lake Ontario as revealed by stable isotope and gut content analysis. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 58:1975 - 1986.
Idrisi, N. E. L. Mills, D. Stewart, and L. G. Rudstam. 2001. Impact of zebra mussels, Dreissena polymorpha, on the pelagic lower trophic levels of Oneida Lake, New York. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 58:1430-1441.

Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00

Outputs
During 2000, the long term data series was maintained on Oneida Lake and augmented with analysis of YOY fish abundance, comparison of walleye, anglers, and cormorants as mortality factors for walleye and yellow perch. The various studies under way in Oneida Lake focus on mechanisms of biotic interactions associated with fish interactions and effect of zebra mussels. These studies and the 40 year long term data series now available from the lake form a powerful combination for gaining insights into the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. During 2000, we published analysis of size at stocking necessary for establishing walleye populations, analysis of zebra mussel effects on fish, and a study on the transmission of dermal sarcoma in Oneida lake walleye.

Impacts
Studies on warmwater fish communities and species interactions affect warmwater fisheries management in New York and throughout the US. Walleye-yellow perch is a common species complex of considerable economic value throughout North America. Understanding of predator-prey interactions imbedded in ecosystems is improved by the multi-disciplinary and long term approach to the study of Oneida Lake.

Publications

Getchell, R.G., G.A. Wooster, L.G. Rudstam, A.J. Van De Valk, T.E.Brooking, and P.R.Bowser. 2000. Prevalence of walleye dermal sarcoma by age class in walleyes (Stizostedion vitreum) from Oneida Lake, New York. J. Aquat. Animal. Health 12:220-223.
Mayer, C. M., A. J. VanDeValk, J. L. Forney, L. G. Rudstam and E. L. Mills. 2000. The response of yellow perch in Oneida Lake, NY, to zebra mussel establishment. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 57:742-754.
Olson, M. H., T. E. Brooking, D. M. Green, A. J. VanDeValk, L. G. Rudstam. 2000. Effect of stocking size on survival and growth of walleye fingerlings. N. Am. J. Fish. Managm. 20:377-384.

Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99

Outputs
During 1999, the long term data series was maintained on Oneida Lake and augmented with analysis of YOY fish abundance, comparison of walleye, anglers, and cormorants as mortality factors for walleye and yellow perch. The various studies under way in Oneida Lake focus on mechanisms of biotic interactions associated with fish interactions and effect of zebra mussels. These studies and the 40 year long term data series now available from the lake form a powerful combination for gaining insights into the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. During 1999, we published analysis of walleye - perch interactions, analysis of long term trawl data, analysis of zebra mussel effects on fish and studies on the transmission of dermal sarcoma in Oneida lake walleye.

Impacts
Studies on warmwater fish communities and species interactions affect warmwater fisheries management in New York and throughout the US. Walleye-yellow perch is a common species complex of considerable economic value throughout North America. Understanding of predator-prey interactions imbedded in ecosystems is improved by the multi-disciplinary and long term approach to the study of Oneida Lake.

Publications

Brooking, T.E., Rudstam, L.G., Olson, M.H. and VanDeValk, A. J.. 1998. Size limited predation of alewife on walleye fry. N. Am. J. Fish Managm. 18:960-965.
Caceres, C. E. and Hairston, N.G. Jr. 1998. Benthic-pelagic coupling in freshwater zooplankton: the role of the benthos. Archiv fur Hydrobiologie 52:163-174.
Hairston, N. G., Jr. 1998. Time travelers: What's timely in diapause research? Archiv f. Hydrobiologie Special Issues Advances in Limnology 52:1-15.
Hansen, A.-M. and N. G. Hairston, Jr. 1998. Food limitation in a wild cyclopoid copepod population: Direct and indirect life history responses. Oecologia 115:320-330.
Holeck, K. E. L. Mills, and R. Colesante. 1998. Managing fish hatchery phosphorus discharge through facility design and waste solids management: a field assessment in nearshore Oneida Lake, New York. Progressive Fish Culturist 60: 263-271.
Leach, J.H., E. L. Mills, and M.D. Dochoda. 1999. Non- indigenous species in the Great Lakes: ecosystem impacts, binational policies, and management. In Taylor, W.W. (ed.) Great Lakes Fishery Policy and Management. Michigan State University Press.
LaPierre, L.A., D.L. Holzschu, G.A. Wooster, P.R. Bowser, and J.W. Casey. 1998. Two closely related but distinct retroviruses are associated with walleye discrete epidermal hyperplasia. Journal of Virology. 72:3484-3490.
Olson, M.H., S.R. Carpenter, P. Cunningham, S. Gafny, B. R. Herwig, N.P. Nibbelink, T. Pellett, C. Storlie, A.S. Trebitz, and K.A. Wilson. 1998. Managing macrophytes to improve fish growth: a multi-lake experiment. Fisheries 23(2): 6-12.
Olson, M.H. Questions and answers at the interface of basic and applied ecology. 1998. Trends in Ecology and Evolution
Owens, R.W., R. O'Gorman, E. L. Mills, L. G. Rudstam, J. J. Hasse, B. Kulik, and D. MacNeill. 1998. Blueback Herring (Alosa aestivalis) in Lake Ontario: First Record, Entry Route, and Colonization Potential. Journal of Great Lakes Research, 24: 723-730.
Arrhenius, F., B. J.A.M. Benneheij, L. G. Rudstam, D. Boisclair. 1999. Can stationary bottom split-beam hydroacoustics be used to measure fish swimming speed in situ? Fish. Res. (in press)
Bowser, P.R., G.A. Wooster, and R.G. Getchell. 1999. Transmission of walleye dermal sarcoma and lymphocystis via water-borne exposure. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health. 11:158-161.
Hairston, N. G., Jr., L. J. Perry, A. J. Bohonak, M. Q. Fellows, C. M. Kearns & D. R. Engstrom. 1999. Population biology of a failed invasion: Paleolimnology of Daphnia exilis in upstate New York. Limnology and Oceanography 44: 477-486.
Hall, S. A. and L. G. Rudstam. 1999. Habitat use and recruitment: a comparison of long-term recruitment patterns among fish species in a shallow eutrophic lake, Oneida Lake, NY. Hydrobiologia 409:101-113
Horgan, M.J. and E.L. Mills. 1999. Zebra Mussel Filter-feeding and Food-limited Production of Daphnia: Recent Changes in Lower Trophic Level Dynamics of Oneida Lake, USA. Hydrobiologia. 409: 1-10.
Lantry, B.F., D.J. Stewart, P.S. Rand, E. L. Mills. 1999. Evalulation of Total Body Electrical Conductivity To Estimate Whole-Body Water Content of Yellow Perch and Alewife. Fishery Bulletin, 97: 71-79.
McKeown, P. 1999. Effects of Stocking Size and Rearing Method on Muskellunge Survival in Chautauqua Lake, New York. NAJFM 19:249-257.
Rose, K. A., E. S. Rutherford, D. McDermott, J. L. Forney, and E. L. Mills. 1999 Individual-based model of walleye and yellow perch populations in Oneida Lake, NY. Ecological Monographs 69:127-154.
Rudstam, L.G., T. Lindem and G. LaBar. 1999. Single-beam methods. Pages 6-13 in E. Ona (editor). Methodology for target strength measurements (with special reference to in situ techniques for fish and micronekton. ICES Cooperative Research Report No 235, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Rudstam, L.G., S. Hansson, T. Lindem, D. Einhouse. 1999. Comparison of single and split beam acoustics. Fish. Res. 42:207-214.
Rutherford, E. S., K. A. Rose, E. L. Mills, J. F. Forney, L. G. Rudstam,, C. M. Mayer. 1999. Individual-based model predictions of zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, impacts on walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) populations in Oneida Lake, NY. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci, 56 56:2148-2160

Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98

Outputs
During 1998, the long term data series was maintained on Oneida Lake and augmented with analysis of YOY fish abundance, comparison of walleye, anglers, and cormorants as mortality factors for walleye and yellow perch. Much work during this year has been on publishing results and a number of manuscripts have been submitted. The various studies under way in Oneida Lake focus on mechanisms of biotic interactions associated with fish interactions and effect of zebra mussels. These studies and the 40 year long term data series now available from the lake form a powerful combination for gaining insights into the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. During 1997, we published an analyses of the effect of diapausing eggs on the population dynamics of zooplankton in Oneida Lake and studies on the transmission of dermal sarcoma in Oneida lake walleye.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Aku, P.M.K., L.G. Rudstam and W.M. Tonn. 1997. Impact of hypolimnetic aeration on the vertical distribution of cisco (Coregonus artedii) in Amisk Lake, Alberta. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 54:2182-2195.
Caceres, C.E. 1997. Temporal variation, dormancy and coexistence: a field test of the storage effect. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA 94:9171-9175.
Caceres, C.E. 1997. Dormancy in invertebrates. Invertebrate Biology 116:371-383.
Holzschu, D.L., G.A. Wooster and P.R. Bowser. 1997. Experimental transmission of dermal sarcoma to the saugers Stizostedion canadense. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms. 32:9-14.
Mills, E.L., M.D. Scheurell, J.T. Carlton. and D. Strayer. 1997. Biological Invasions in the Hudson River Basin. NYS Museum Bulletin Circular No. 57. 51 pages.
Quackenbush, S.L., D.L. Holzschu, P.R. Bowser, and J.W. Casey. 1997. Transcriptional analysis of walleye dermal sarcoma virus (WDSV). Virology. 237:107-112.

Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97

Outputs
During 1997, the long term data series was maintained on Oneida Lake and augmented with a study on walleye diet selection, study on cormorant diet selection, and a comparison of benthic invertebrate abundance in 1916, 1976 and 1995. Since zebra mussels invaded the lake in 1991, several changes have been observed including increased water clarity, decreased chlorophyll-a levels, and lower abundance but faster growth of young-of-year fish and lower abundance of walleye. The various studies under way in Oneida Lake focus on mechanisms of biotic interactions associated with fish interactions and effect of zebra mussels. These studies and the 40 year long term data series now available from the lake form a powerful combination for gaining insights into the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. During 1996, we published an analysis of the effect of gizzard shad on the young-of-year yellow perch. Although zooplankton was depressed by gizzard shad in year of high abundance, this did not affect growth rates of yellow perch. This is due to differences in timing of peak abundance of the two species. When shad depress zooplankton, perch are large enough to be able to switch to benthic prey without strong negative effects on growth rates.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Rose, K. A., J. A. Tyler, D. SinghDermott, and E. S. Rutherford. 1996. Multispecies modeling of fish populations. Pages 194-222 in B. Mergrey and E. Mokness, editor. Computers in fisheries research.
Roseman, E. F., E. L. Mills, J. L Forney, L. G. Rudstam. 1996. Evaluation of the competitive interactions between age-0 yellow perch and gizzard shad in Oneida Lake, New York Can. J. Fish. Aquatic Sci.
Rudstam, L. G., D. M. Green, J. L. Forney, D. L. Stang, and J. T. Evans. 1996. Evidence of biotic interactions between walleye and yellow perch in New York State lakes. Ann. Zool. Fenn. 33:443-449.
Shepherd, W. C., and E. L. Mills. 1996. Diel feeding, daily food intake, and Daphnia consumption by age-0 gizzard shad in Oneida lake, New York. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 125:411-421