Assessing spatial variability in the benthic invertebrate communities of Lake Champlain
Conference Year
2023
Abstract
Benthic invertebrates are a key component of the Lake Champlain food web. Previous work investigated benthic invertebrate densities in Burlington Bay, but little is known about trends throughout Lake Champlain. We assessed the spatial variability of benthic invertebrate communities across depth, both within and between Lake Champlain's distinct basins. Community composition changed with depth, while distribution and biomass differ significantly within and between basins. These findings will continue to inform ongoing research on food web dynamics throughout the Lake Champlain ecosystem.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Ellen Marsden
Graduate Student Mentors
Justin Lesser
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Program/Major
Environmental Sciences
Second Program/Major
Wildlife and Fisheries Biology
Primary Research Category
Life Sciences
Assessing spatial variability in the benthic invertebrate communities of Lake Champlain
Benthic invertebrates are a key component of the Lake Champlain food web. Previous work investigated benthic invertebrate densities in Burlington Bay, but little is known about trends throughout Lake Champlain. We assessed the spatial variability of benthic invertebrate communities across depth, both within and between Lake Champlain's distinct basins. Community composition changed with depth, while distribution and biomass differ significantly within and between basins. These findings will continue to inform ongoing research on food web dynamics throughout the Lake Champlain ecosystem.