Assessing spatial variability in the benthic invertebrate communities of Lake Champlain

Presenter's Name(s)

Allie Shiers

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

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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.