Refugia and Local Controls: Benthic Invertebrate Dynamics in Lower Green Bay, Lake Michigan following Zebra Mussel Invasion

Abstract

In many aquatic ecosystems benthic invertebrate abundance has increased following zebra mussel ( Dreissena polymorpha) invasion. We examine the impact of zebra mussel density on the abundance and distribution of benthic invertebrates and postulate refuge from predation as a mechanism for the increases we found in some taxa. Benthic invertebrates in zebra mussel druses and in adjacent sediment samples were surveyed at sites in six locations representing various trophic conditions in lower Green Bay. Mean invertebrate density and taxa richness were significantly higher in the druses than in the adjacent sediment. Species diversity in the druses was inversely correlated to turbidity over the study area. Sediment samples were dominated by oligochaetes and chironomids. Amphipods were the most abundant taxa in most, but not all, of the druse samples. Other taxa present included leeches, hydra, mayflies, and caddisflies. The effectiveness of druses as refuge from predation for amphipods was investigated under laboratory conditions with various predators (perch, round goby, and rusty crayfish). In mesocosms, predation losses averaged 75% lower where zebra mussels were present. In the absence of mussels, predation loss to perch and round goby was 100% and 66% to crayfish. We conclude that the increased abundance of other invertebrates in druses in lower Green Bay may be due to increased refugia, however the assemblage composition at any given site varies with local conditions.