Sound velocity profile locations collected by the U.S. Geological Survey in Moultonborough Bay, Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire in 2005 (Geographic, WGS 84, Esri point shapefile, 2005-004-FA_SVP.SHP)

In freshwater bodies of New Hampshire, the most problematic aquatic invasive plant species is Myriophyllum heterophyllum or variable leaf water-milfoil. Once established, variable leaf water-milfoil forms dense beds that can alter the limnologic characteristics of a waterbody, impacting natural lacustrine communities and their habitats. Variable leaf water-milfoil infestations also disrupt recreational uses of waterbodies and have negatively affected swimming, boating, fishing, and property values in and around several lakes and ponds in New Hampshire.

In 1965, Moultonborough Bay, Lake Winnipesaukee became the first waterbody in New Hampshire where variable leaf water-milfoil was observed. Variable leaf water-milfoil is native to the Southeastern and Midwestern areas of the United States where more alkaline waters appear to limit the growth of this plant. Outside its native range, however, it adapts well to the relatively acidic, low-alkalinity, and nutrient-poor conditions of oligotrophic lakes and bays similar to Moultonborough Bay.

In 2005, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) collaborated with the U.S. Geological Survey to investigate the distribution (presence and density) of variable leaf water-milfoil in Moultonborough Bay. This study utilized geophysical systems and conventional water-quality measurements to identify lake-floor environments that may provide suitable habitat for the establishment and growth of variable leaf water-milfoil. The results of the study are intended to assist resource managers in federal and state agencies by providing methods for detecting variable leaf water-milfoil and for identifying areas susceptible to infestation. Ultimately, this information may lead to early detection, prevention, and more effective mitigation strategies.

Field activity information for this cruise is available on-line through the U.S. Geological Survey Coastal and Marine Geoscience Data System https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/fan_info.php?fa=2005-004-FA.

新罕布什尔州的淡水水体中，危害最为严重的水生入侵植物物种为异叶狐尾藻（Myriophyllum heterophyllum），俗称多变叶狐尾藻（variable leaf water-milfoil）。该植物一旦定植，便会形成茂密的植床，能够改变水体的湖沼学特征，进而干扰自然湖泊群落及其栖息生境。多变叶狐尾藻的入侵还会破坏水体的休闲使用功能，对新罕布什尔州多座湖泊与池塘周边的游泳、划船、垂钓活动及房产价值均造成了负面影响。
1965年，温尼佩绍基湖（Lake Winnipesaukee）的莫尔顿伯勒湾（Moultonborough Bay）成为新罕布什尔州首个发现多变叶狐尾藻的水体。该植物原产于美国东南部与中西部地区，当地偏碱性的水环境似乎会抑制其生长。但在其原生分布范围之外，它能够很好地适应类似莫尔顿伯勒湾的贫营养（oligotrophic）湖泊及海湾的偏酸性、低碱度与低养分环境。
2005年，新罕布什尔州环境服务部（New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, NHDES）与美国地质调查局（U.S. Geological Survey）合作，针对莫尔顿伯勒湾内多变叶狐尾藻的分布情况（存在范围与种群密度）开展了调查。本研究采用地球物理探测系统与常规水质测量手段，识别出可为多变叶狐尾藻定植与生长提供适宜生境的湖底环境。该研究成果旨在为联邦与州级机构的资源管理者提供多变叶狐尾藻的检测方法以及易受入侵区域的识别手段，助力其开展相关管理工作。最终，这类信息有望推动早期检测、预防及更高效的治理防控策略的制定。
本次科考航次的野外作业信息可通过美国地质调查局海岸与海洋地质科学数据系统（U.S. Geological Survey Coastal and Marine Geoscience Data System）的在线链接https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/fan_info.php?fa=2005-004-FA 查阅获取。