Lake Erie Submersed Aquatic Vegetation, Sampled 2016-2019

Observations and subtle shifts of aquatic vegetation communities in Lake Erie have USGS researchers concerned about the potential for grass carp and other threats to alter these vegetation communities. Assessing submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) may contribute to inform the long-term impacts of grass carp, common carp, eutrophication, wind fetch and sedimentation on SAV communities throughout Lake Erie and the impact these stressors may have on other organisms in the ecosystem. Field based SAV surveys using hydroacoustics and rake surveys were conducted from 2016-2019 in key locations coupled with remote sensing and GIS mapping to compile a baseline assessment for current existing SAV communities. While these efforts contribute to the assessment of long-term impacts of grass carp and other threats on SAV communities throughout Lake Erie and the impact this may have on other organisms in the ecosystem, they also help inform the deployment of grass carp-specific toxic bait deployments. Bait deployments can be strategically placed based on the spatial distribution and diet preferences of grass carp to maximize control efforts while reducing impacts to native species.

Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.