Energy Fixation and Utilization by Natural Communities in Western Lake Erie

Abstract

From 1951 to 1955, the rates of energy fixation and utilization by natural aquatic communities in western Lake Erie were studied under nearnatural conditions at all seasons of the year. The photosynthesis and respiration rates exhibited by communities concentrated by screening water through No. 25 silk bolting cloth, and by communities studied at their natural population density, are presented below. Measurements of respiration of bottom fauna are included. These are related to environmental variables and the energy flow is estimated for (1) the total community, (2) the fraction retained by bolting cloth, and (3) the bottom fauna.