Data and R code for analysis of walleye and yellow perch age-0 length in Minnesota's Large Lakes

Invasive species represent a threat to aquatic ecosystems globally; however, impacts can be heterogenous across systems. Documented impacts of invasive zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and spiny water fleas (Bythotrephes cedarstroemi; hereafter Bythotrephes) on native fishes are variable and context dependent across locations and time periods. Here, we use a hierarchical Bayesian analysis of a 35-year dataset on two fish species from 9 lakes to demonstrate that early life growth of ecologically important fishes are influenced by these aquatic invasive species. Walleye (Sander vitreus) grew more slowly throughout their first year of life, and were on average 12 or 14% smaller at the end of their first summer following invasion by Bythotrephes or zebra mussels, respectively. Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) growth was less affected by invasion. Yellow perch on average grew more slowly in their first year of life following invasion by zebra mussels, although this effect was not statistically distinguishable from zero. Early life growth of both walleye and yellow perch was less tightly coupled to degree days in invaded systems, as demonstrated by increased variance surrounding the degree day-length relationship. Smaller first-year size is related to walleye survival and recruitment to later life stages and has important implications for lake food webs and fisheries management. Future research quantifying effects of zebra mussels and Bythotrephes on other population-level processes and across a wider gradient of lake types is needed to understand the mechanisms driving observed changes in walleye growth.

搜集汇总

背景与挑战

背景概述

该数据集包含1983年至2018年在明尼苏达州大型湖泊收集的梭鲈和黄鲈0龄体长数据，以及用于分层贝叶斯模型分析的R代码，旨在研究入侵物种（斑马贻贝和刺水蚤）对这两种鱼类早期生长的影响。数据集提供了完整的分析工具和结果，包括模型拟合代码、预测长度数据和图表生成脚本，支持科学研究和渔业管理应用。