Invasive Species of Concern in Lake Champlain

Alewives

- Massive alewife die offs have occurred over the last decade, resulting high levels of organic waste, reducing oxygen content in water due increased biological activity. Alewives are also competing for plankton resources with the native rainbow smelt, a crucial food source for salmonids in the lake.

Simonin, P, D Parrish, L Rudstam, P Sullivan, and B Pientka. "Native rainbow smelt and nonnative alewife distribution related to temperature and light gradients in Lake Champlain." Journal of Great Lakes Research. 38.1 (2012): 115-122.

Zebra mussels

-Zebra mussels are displacing native mussels due to the zebra mussels aggressive life history traits, such as attaching to native mussels, not allowing them to open. This does not allow the native mussel to feed. They also clear water due to high filtration rates. Many species in the lake rely on turbid water for survival. Reduction of turbidity may effect native fish species.

Miller, E, and M Watzin. "The Effects of Zebra Mussels on the LowerPlanktonic Foodweb in Lake Champlain." Journal of Great Lakes Research. 33.2 (2007): 407-420.

Water chestnuts

- Nuisance species with sharp spines. Non-native, but is not aggressively displacing native species. Instead, it is more of nuisance to humans.

Marsden, J, and M Hauser. "Exotic species in Lake Champlain." Journal of Great Lakes Research. 35.2 (2009): 250-265.

White perch

 

- non-native, but not yet considered an invasive yet. Considered a game fish by many anglers.

Marsden, J, and R Langdon. "The history and future of Lake Champlain." Journal of Great Lakes Research. 38.1 (2012): 19-34.