Intrinsic processes causing periodic changes in stability in a shallow biomanipulated lake

Abstract

Shallow lakes experience alternative states in their biotic organisation over time. In this study, we analysed a long-term dataset on the recovery from eutrophication of a shallow hypertrophic lake (Lake Major, Hungary) following fish manipulation. Disturbances in the food web triggered a shift, markedly affecting both abiotic and biotic variables. Clear and turbid states of Lake Major over the period 1999–2009 were defined by concentrations of chlorophyll-a. Lake Major in a clear-water state had higher transparency and submerged macrophyte cover, lower turbidity and fish biomass, and total phosphorus was relatively low compared to that shown during the turbid-water state. It follows from our study that a regime shift from a turbid state to a clear state can be expected in response to fish manipulation. Reduction in fish biomass increases light conditions, decreases internal nutrient loading and promotes macrophyte dispersion. Food-web effects appear to be considerable in these shallow lakes containing benthic fishes. The roles of phosphorus and submerged macrophytes are essential in maintenance of alternative states of vegetation in shallow lakes of various climatic zones.