Long-Term Changes in the Macrobenthos of Southern Lake Michigan

Abstract

A benthic survey of 40 stations in southern Lake Michigan in 1980–81 was compared with results of studies conducted in the mid-1960's to evaluate long-term trends in populations. The three major benthic groups, Pontoporeia, oligochaetes, and sphaeriids, were significantly more abundant in 1980–81. Compared with the most comprehensive survey (conducted in 1964–67), Pontoporeia increased two- to fivefold at depths less than 50 m, but did not increase at depths greater than 50 m. Oligochaetes increased two- to threefold regardless of sampling depth, while sphaeriids increased twofold at depths less than 50 m but decreased somewhat at depths greater than 50 m. Although oligochaete abundances increased, overall shifts in species composition were not apparent. Changes in abundances of Pontoporeia may have been related to shifts in predation pressure from forage fish populations, but increased oligochaete abundances can likely be related to increased enrichment between the two sampling periods. Although apparent improvements in the water quality of Lake Michigan since the mid-1970's were not yet reflected by benthic populations in 1980–81, continued monitoring of the benthos should provide a useful indicator of future trends.