Changes In Trophic Conditions Research Articles

Holocene ecosystem and temperature development inferred from invertebrate remains in Zminje Jezero (Dinaric Alps, Montenegro)

AbstractLake Zminje Jezero (1535 m a.s.l.) in Montenegro was studied for chironomid and other aquatic invertebrate remains in a sediment sequence dating back to 12,000 calibrated 14C years before present (cal yr BP), providing, to our knowledge, the first lake-sediment record studied for chironomids and other associated chitinous aquatic invertebrate remains in the Dinaric Alps. Changes in chironomid and other invertebrate remains along the record make it possible to constrain changes of relevant environmental variables for aquatic invertebrates in the lake including temperature, oxygen availability, trophic status and water depth. The results suggest moderate changes in trophic conditions with chironomid assemblages indicating meso- to eutrophic conditions during the analysed interval. Invertebrate assemblages were typical for lakes with relatively high oxygen availability with a minor trend during the middle to late Holocene to conditions observed in lakes that are more hypoxic. A change in temperature is suggested in the earlier part of the record when the share of chironomid taxa adapted to warmer conditions increased, at the Younger Dryas to Holocene transition, whereas later no particularly pronounced shifts in temperature-sensitive taxa were observed. July air temperatures were estimated based on chironomid assemblages using a transfer function based on calibration data consisting of 117 lakes sampled in the Swiss Alps and northern Switzerland. The results suggest that temperatures rapidly increased by 5 °C at the onset of the Holocene (11,500 cal yr BP) leading to a relatively warm early to mid-Holocene and thereafter slightly decreased during the late Holocene. Reconstructed temperatures are discussed together with a previously published pollen record for our study site and are broadly consistent with other chironomid-based temperature reconstructions from Central, Eastern and Southern Europe. From ca. 3000 cal yr BP sedimentation rates increased and from ca. 500 cal yr BP onwards pollen data suggest that the vegetation and lake catchment were affected by human activities, possibly influencing chironomid and other invertebrate assemblages in the lake and thereby also reconstructed temperatures. Overall, our results show that combining analyses of chironomid and other invertebrate assemblages can provide valuable insights into long-term environmental changes and can provide temperature reconstructions for small mountain lakes in the Balkans, such as Zminje Jezero.

Water trophy assessment of the cooling system of the “Dolna Odra” power plant on the basis of algae indicator organisms

The paper presents the results of water trophy assessment from various stations of the cooling system of the “Dolna Odra” (Poland) power plant. The assessment was made based on the indicator phytoplankton species collected four times at four sites located in different parts of the hydrological system cooling the technical infrastructure of the power plant. The sites were characterised by water with a natural temperature for individual seasons, as well as by thermals changed as a result of the discharge of cooling waters. For each site, the saprobic index was calculated based on indicator species.
 The analysis showed that the changes in trophic conditions, both in waters with changed thermals and in waters not subject to the influence of after-cool waters, are not subject to significant changes. The waters of all studied sites in the analysed periods of the year should be classified according to Sladeček and Sládečková (1996) to the waters of the β–mesosaprobic zone, with a saprobic index value ranging from 1.51 to 2.50 (average S = 2.0). This zone is characterised by the course of biochemical processes under aerobic conditions, as a result of which complete oxidation of the intermediate products of decomposition of organic compounds takes place.

Late Neogene chronostratigraphy and integrated paleoecological trends in the southwestern Caribbean Sea

Palynology of the Neogene marine stratigraphic sequences in tropical latitudes is poorly studied Most studies focus on lower to middle Miocene deposits in the Caribbean, emphasizing the biostratigraphic value of dinoflagellate cysts. The palynological and calcareous nannofossil analysis of 50 samples from DSDP Hole 502A and their integration with the paleomagnetic and planktonic foraminifera data reveal a detailed and reliable chronostratigraphic framework, and the interpretation of the paleobathymetric and paleoenvironmental evolution of the sequence. Fossil content in a continuous late Tortonian to late Gelasian (~7.56-1.80 Ma) sequence of deep-marine sediments serves to calibrate ages of dinoflagellate cysts, and comparison with high latitude records reveals synchronous (Operculodinium janduchenei, Selenopemphix dionaeacysta, Barssidinium taxandrianum, and Lejeunecysta interrupta) and asynchronous events (Quadrina? condita) with biostratigraphic potential for the southwestern Caribbean Sea. Our results highlight the importance of analyzing continental palynomorphs in deep-marine deposits to increase the temporal resolution of future palynostratigraphic schemes. Micropaleontogical data indicate a lower bathyal–abyssal environment and four paleoceanographic settings defined by changes in surface water productivity. These intervals fluctuate from mesotrophic-oligotrophic (~7.56–6.31 Ma) to eutrophic (~6.18–4.98 Ma), oligotrophic (~4.74–3.41 Ma), and mesotrophic surface water conditions (~3.26–1.80 Ma). Changes in trophic conditions are strongly related to the paleoceanographic reorganization associated with the constriction and complete closure of the Central American Seaway, seasonal upwelling episodes, and the input of terrigenous organic matter probably transported from southern Central America and northern South America by turbidity currents.

The Eocene‐Oligocene Transition in the South‐Western Neo‐Tethys (Tunisia): Astronomical Calibration and Paleoenvironmental Changes

AbstractA detailed biostratigraphic, chemostratigraphic, and chronostratigraphic study was carried out in the South‐Western margin of the Neo‐Tethys ocean (Tunisia) covering the Eocene‐Oligocene interval to report potential paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic changes associated with the growth of the Antarctic ice sheet (AIS). The studied section consists of marls and limestones extending from the Helicosphaera compacta nannofossil Zone (CNE21) to the Reticulofenestra umbilicus Zone (CNO2). The Bc of Clausicoccus subdistichus coincides in northeastern Tunisia with the extinction of hantkeninids and is thus used here to define the Eocene/Oligocene boundary (EOB) at 34.03 Ma. Calcareous nannofossil assemblages suggest a significant change from oligotrophic/warm surface waters during the late Eocene to eutrophic/cool waters during the early Oligocene. The observed changes in trophic conditions are synchronous with a shallowing trend testified by an increase in nearshore species and enhanced terrigenous input. Major environmental changes occurred at the EOB and across glaciation event Oi‐1a whereas we record a poor imprint of glaciation event Oi‐1. Three orbital configurations have been distinguished: (1) The late Eocene is characterized by a prominent 405‐kyr cycle and a weak obliquity component; (2) the onset of cooling at 34.35 Ma coincides with the rosette‐shaped discoaster extinction and is reflected by a shift toward enhanced obliquity and short‐eccentricity cycles. The installation of a fully developed AIS (event Oi‐1a, 32.75 Ma) shows the most pronounced obliquity imprint reflecting an increased influence of high‐latitude climate processes; (3) after 31.75 Ma, the obliquity decreases in coincidence with the return to a dominant long‐eccentricity cycle.

Spatiotemporal changes and drivers of trophic status over three decades in the largest shallow lake in Central Europe, Lake Balaton

The over-enrichment of shallow lakes in nutrients has emerged as one of the main causes of water quality deterioration, and is today a major focus of water quality studies worldwide. In the present work, changes in trophic conditions over three decades (1985–2017) in the largest shallow freshwater lake in Central Europe, Lake Balaton, are assessed using the time series of 10 water quality variables measured at 4 sites, one in each basin of the lake. Using combined cluster and discriminant analyses, and assessing each of the four basins of the lake separately, it was possible to divide the history of the lake into three time intervals. Principal component and Sen's slope analyses highlight the fact that the oligotrophization of the lake took place at a different pace in each of these three major time intervals (1985–1994; 1995–2003; 2004–2017) along the lake's major axis. A significant decrease in the concentration of parameters indicating trophic conditions (e.g. chlorophyll-a, soluble reactive phosphorus) was first observed in the western basins, in the proximity of the main water input to the lake, followed by the eastward spread of this phenomenon. At the same time, the importance of external total phosphorus input to the lake was found to decrease eastwards, thereby diminishing its capacity to explain the variance of the water quality parameters in the lake. Over the time period covered by this study, various measures were taken to reduce the nutrient loads to the lake. These were, in the main, successful, as may be seen in the decade-by-decade overview of the lake's trophic state presented here. A brief review of similar cases from around the world only serves to reinforce the conclusion that a drastic reduction in external phosphorus loads arriving in similar shallow lakes will result in their oligotrophization, albeit with a time-lag of at least ten years.

Uneven host cell growth causes lysogenic virus induction in the Baltic Sea.

In the Baltic Sea redoxcline, lysogenic viruses infecting prokaryotes have rarely been detected using the commonly used inducing agent mitomycin C. However, it is well known that not all viruses are induceable by mitomycin C and growing evidence suggests that changes in trophic conditions may trigger the induction of lysogenic viruses. We hypothesized that using antibiotics to simulate a strong change in trophic conditions for antibiotica-resistant cells due to reduced competition for resources might lead to the induction of lysogenic viruses into the lytic cycle within these cells. This hypothesis was tested by incubating prokaryotes obtained throughout the Baltic Sea redoxcline in seawater with substantially reduced numbers of viruses. We used a mixture of the protein synthesis-inhibiting antibiotics streptomycin and erythromycin to induce the desired changes in trophic conditions for resistant cells and at the same time ensuring that no progeny viruses were formed in sensitive cells. No inducible lysogenic viruses could be detected in incubations amended with mitomycin C. Yet, the presence of streptomycin and erythromycin increased virus-induced mortality of prokaryotes by 56–930% compared to controls, resulting in the induction of lysogenic viruses equivalent to 2–14% of in situ prokaryotic abundance. The results indicate the existence of a previously unrecognized induction mechanism for lysogenic viruses in the Baltic Sea redoxcline, as the mode of action distinctly differs between the used antibiotics (no virus production within affected cells) and mitomycin C (lysogenic viruses are produced within affected cells). Obtaining accurate experimental data on levels of lysogeny in prokaryotic host cells remains challenging, as relying on mitomycin C alone may severely underestimate lysogeny.

Low planktic foraminiferal diversity and abundance observed in a spring 2013 west–east Mediterranean Sea plankton tow transect

Abstract. Planktic foraminifera were collected with 150 µm BONGO nets from the upper 200 m water depth at 20 stations across the Mediterranean Sea between 2 May and 2 June 2013. The main aim is to characterize the species distribution and test the covariance between foraminiferal area density (ρA) and seawater carbonate chemistry in a biogeochemical gradient including ultraoligotrophic conditions. Average foraminifera abundances are 1.42 ± 1.43 ind. 10 m−3 (ranging from 0.11 to 5.20 ind. 10 m−3), including 12 morphospecies. Large differences in species assemblages and total abundances are observed between the different Mediterranean sub-basins, with an overall dominance of spinose, symbiont-bearing species indicating oligotrophic conditions. The highest values in absolute abundance are found in the Strait of Gibraltar and the Alboran Sea. The western basin is dominated by Globorotalia inflata and Globigerina bulloides at slightly lower standing stocks than in the eastern basin. In contrast, the planktic foraminiferal assemblage in the warmer, saltier, and more nutrient-limited eastern basin is dominated by Globigerinoides ruber (white). These new results, when combined with previous findings, suggest that temperature-induced surface water stratification and food availability are the main factors controlling foraminiferal distribution. In the oligotrophic and highly alkaline and supersaturated with respect to calcite and aragonite Mediterranean surface water, standing stocks and ρA of G. ruber (white) and G. bulloides are affected by both food availability and seawater carbonate chemistry. Rapid warming increased surface ocean stratification impacting food availability and changes in trophic conditions could be the causes of reduced foraminiferal abundance, diversity, and species-specific changes in planktic foraminiferal calcification.

Retrospective assessment of the dynamics of nitrogen availability in pine forests of the near-Moscow region based on the data of phytoindication

Earlier published data on the long-term geobotanic monitoring in permanent pilot plots have been used to analyze changes in trophic conditions and estimate nitrogen nutrition availability to pine forests of the Serebryanyi Bor Forestry located in the Moscow oblast. The assessments of habitats based on the ecological scales of soil richness with nitrogen, which were developed by D.N. Tsyganov and G. Ellenberg, and analysis of the dynamics of stenobiont species have revealed the properties of changes in the species composition and conditions of nitrogen availability to forests for the period from 1957–1961 to 2003. The results indicate increased nitrogen availability to forests in the studied period for all permanent plots, but reflect different intensities of the trend of eutrophication in different monitoring stages. A more intense growth in soil richness with nitrogen in all permanent plots was in the period since 1957–1961 to 1989–1990. In the next years, the level of nitrogen availability to phytocenoses almost did not change. The improvement in the trophic conditions was accompanied by the growth in total species richness and increase in the number of stenobionts with high requirements to nitrogen nutrition. The results from analyzing the dynamics of stenobionts confirm the division of the period under consideration into two stages. From 1957–1961 to 1989–1990, changes in the species composition of plant communities in the pine forests under consideration were similar but differed in intensity. From 1989–1990 to 2003 (against the background of total deceleration of the eutrophication trend), the similarity of species dynamics in the communities was disturbed. The impact of air pollution by NOx on nitrogen nutrition availability to forests was examined with consideration for the fact that the studied area is within the capital agglomeration. The dynamics of the intensity of air nitrogen deposition is in good agreement with the revealed changes in the species composition of phytocenoses and nitrogen soil richness. It gives reasons to suppose that the trend of forest eutrophication in the 1960s–1980s was strengthened by the impact of increased levels of atmospheric nitrogen deposition.

The first continuous Late Glacial – Holocene peat bog multi-proxy record from the Dolomites (NE Italian Alps)

Paleoclimate and paleoenvironmental studies in the north-eastern Italian Alps have been hampered by the rarity of well-preserved high-altitude deposits and the lack of high-resolution multi-proxy records with adequate chronological control. This paper presents the first complete Late Glacial to Holocene peat succession from the Dolomites (Danta di Cadore, Belluno, Italian Alps). A 7 m core was used to evaluate the potential of the ombrotrophic Val di Ciampo peat deposit (1400 m a.s.l.) as an archive of environmental and climate change. The depth–age scale is based upon independent 14C and 210Pb dates and combined with peat stratigraphy demonstrates that the peat core covers more than 13,200 cal BP, extending to the end of the last part of the Late Glacial. Bulk density, inorganic matter content, pore water pH, conductivity, Ca/Mg ratios, and Ca, Sr and Ti trends were used to identify changes in trophic conditions through the bog. The boundary between ombrotrophic and minerotrophic conditions occurs at approximately 400 cm below the surface and demonstrates that this core is the longest Eastern Alpine ombrotrophic record yet obtained, corresponding to 7000 cal BP. The high-resolution chemical data of this peat archive improves our understanding of European Alpine Holocene climate variability and the relationship between natural climate fluctuations and anthropogenic climate change during the present interglacial in the Dolomites.

Calcareous nannofossils from the Bathonian (Middle Jurassic) ore-bearing clays at Gnaszyn as palaeoenvironmental indicator, Kraków-Silesia Homocline, Poland

ABSTRACT Kędzierski, M. 2012. Calcareous nannofossils from the Bathonian (Middle Jurassic) ore-bearing clays at Gnaszyn as palaeoenvironmental indicator, Kraków-Silesia Homocline, Poland. Acta Geologica Polonica, 62 (3), 421-437. Warszawa. Qualitative and quantitative studies on calcareous nannofossils have been carried out on the Middle-Upper Bathonian succession of Gnaszyn (Kraków-Silesia Homocline, Częstochowa region). The nannofossil assemblages are moderately or well-preserved and are dominated by Watznaueria britannica; also common are Staurolithiteslumina and Zeugrhabdotus erectus. The presence of delicate nannofossil forms together with dissolution- resistant taxa shows that the changes in composition of some of the nannoplankton assemblages reflect original variations. The frequency and diversity changes of the calcareous nannofossil assemblages have been interpreted in relation to fluctuations of sedimentation rate versus changes in trophic conditions within the photic zone. The highest diversity assemblages contain a high percentage of palaeofertility indicators, and are impoverished in the genus Watznaueria. This is interpreted as a reflection of a lower sedimentation rate and more stable, possibly mesotrophic conditions within the photic zone. On the other hand, W. britannica-dominated assemblages with low species diversity may represent more unstable environments with a high influx of terrestrial material related to a high sedimentation rate and a high nutrient influx, i.e. eutrophic conditions in the photic zone.

Growth and demise of a Burdigalian coral bioconstruction on a granite rocky substrate (Bonifacio Basin, southeastern Corsica)

During the Early Miocene, coincident with the Sardinia–Corsica block rotation, mixed carbonate–siliciclastic sediments of the Cala di Labra Formation were deposited on the southern margin of the Bonifacio Basin (southeastern Corsica, France). The Burdigalian marine transgression is spectacularly represented by a peculiar coral bioconstruction, unconformably lying on the eroded Variscan granitic basement. Superb exposures allowed detailed, three-dimensional field mapping, lithofacies analysis, and characterization of the Cala di Labra coral bioconstruction. As a result of the extremely irregular and articulated substrate, the coral buildup appears as an organized lens-shaped structure, and its core is constituted by a relatively dense coral domestone with a moderate increase of platy corals in the upper part. A coral rubble associated with granitic cobbles and pebbles is locally present at the base. The inter-coral sediment consists of poorly sorted bioclastic wackestone to packstone. Results from this study clearly show evidence for the occurrence of a former submerged granitic substrate that, as very rarely documented in the geological record, is here interpreted as the subtidal substrate for growth of a small bioconstruction under relatively high energy and clear water conditions. The Cala di Labra bioconstruction is overlain by a fining-upward quartzose conglomerate and sandstone succession interpreted as deposited in a coastal setting near fluvial point sources. The demise of coral growth was caused by a regressive event and by the consequent quite-sudden burial and related changes of trophic conditions.

Climate-related changes during the Late Glacial and early Holocene in northern Poland, as derived from the sediments of Lake Sierzywk

Reconstruction of past climate change and ecosystem response is important to correctly assess the impacts of global warming. In this study, we provide a paleoenvironmental record of in-lake and catchment changes in northern Poland during the Late Glacial and early Holocene using various biotic proxies (pollen, macrofossils and Cladocera) preserved in the lake sedimentary record. Chronology was derived from palynological correlation with a well-dated pollen sequence from nearby-lying Lake Ostrowite and some well-dated events of vegetation history in Central Europe. Pollen analysis provided information on regional climate change affecting vegetation dynamics, whereas macrofossils supplied substantial information on the response of local flora and fauna to climatic, geomorphological and limnological changes. Data were supplemented by analysis of Cladocera remains, which are of special importance because of their quick response to changes in trophic conditions and climate (especially temperature). The bottom of the sediment core reflects an initial stage of the lake formed during the late Allerod. The Younger Dryas cooling apparently resulted in forest recession and presence of cold tolerant Cladocera species. Due to amelioration of climate at the end of the Younger Dryas and melting of ice, the lake deepened. The beginning of the Holocene was characterised by forest shrinkage and induced clear changes in local flora and fauna communities. The regional vegetation development deduced from the lake’s core is generally consistent with the vegetation history of central Europe. Due to the location of the site near the seashore (oceanic climate and western wind), signals of warming came earlier than inland and in eastern Poland.

Global Decline of and Threats to Aegagropila linnaei, with Special Reference to the Lake Ball Habit

The freshwater macroalga Aegagropila linnaei can occur attached or unattached, but is best known for its free-floating spherical growth form (“lake balls,” “Cladophora balls,” or “marimo”). The worldwide distribution of this species was reconstructed using more than 1200 specimens from 28 herbaria, an extensive literature survey, and field observations. Aegagropila linnaei was found in 283 locations, with the majority located in central and northern Europe. Few records of A. linnaei exist from North America, but it is relatively widespread in Japan. The preferred habitat is inferred to be oligomesotrophic lakes with moderate to high calcium levels. In more than 50% of the known locations, A. linnaei has not been found in the last 30 years, and this decline is assumed to be correlated with changes in trophic conditions in those lakes. The unattached growth forms show a stronger decline than attached populations as a result of the habitat types in which they can occur.

Comparative studies on the morphometry and physiology of European populations of the lagoon specialist Cerastoderma glaucum (Bivalvia)

Seasonal changes in the morphometic and physiological parameters of the cockle Cerastoderma glaucum. (Bivalvia) from the Baltic Sea (GD), the North Sea, (LV), and the Mediterranean Sea (BL) were investigated. The cockles from GD were much smaller than those from other populations clue to osmotic stress. The female to male ratios did not differ significantly front 1 : 1. The northern populations (GD, LV) had a monocyclic reproductive pattern, whereas the southern population (BL) seemed to reproduce throughout the year. Seasonal changes in the contents of biochemical components appeared to be correlated with changes in trophic conditions and the reproductive cycle. Protein content was the highest in spring for all the populations. The highest lipid content's and lowest carbohydrate contents were noted in GD and BL in spring, while no marked differences were noted among seasons in LV (probably because the data, from both sexes were pooled). Respiration rates in GD were the highest among the populations, which could have been due to osmotic stress. High metabolic rates expressed by high respiration rates in GD and LV in spring and autumn could have resulted from gamete development (in spring) and phytoplankton blooms (in spring and autumn).

Changes in N and P limitation induced by water level fluctuations in Nature Park Kopački Rit (Croatia): nutrient enrichment bioassay

The importance of nutrients as limiting factors might vary in environments with different limnological characteristics. In this article we evaluate the effect of frequency and duration of flooding on nutrient limitation in a riparian floodplain. Variations in N and P limitations were studied in the period of low (2003) and high (2004) water level in two different floodplain habitat types in the Nature Park Kopacki Rit (Croatia), a floodplain area of the Danube River. In 2003 and 2004, the limnological characteristics of floodplain lake (Lake Sakadas) and the channel (Stara Drava) differed due to their hydrological regimes. Potential for nutrient limitation was determined by DIN:TP and TN:TP ratios, while the actual nutrient limitation was assessed by nutrient enrichment bioassay. A change from non-limited to N-limited conditions in the channel, and consistent actual N limitation in the lake was determined by the nutrient enrichment experiment. Of the two ratios, DIN:TP matched better with the bioassay data. Phosphorus limitation was only occasionally evident. Changes in trophic conditions from hypereutrophy to eutrophy (between low and high water levels) reflected the importance of the hydrologic regime as a factor which can modify the trophic state of Lake Sakadas. Compared with 2003, the increase of total nitrogen concentrations in 2004 calls attention to the importance of nitrogen inputs from the Danube to the system with excessive phosphorus concentrations.

Ammonoid Abundance Variations Related to Changes in Trophic Conditions Across the Oceanic Anoxic Event 1d (Latest Albian, SE France)

Abstract Macrofauna abundance has been quantified across the Breistroffer interval (OAE 1d, Latest Albian) in the Vocontian basin (southeast France). This interval is characterized by a high abundance of ammonoids showing significant morphologic disparity. Twenty ammonoid genera are recognized and assigned to seven morphostructural groups. The aims of this study are to: (1) interpret abundance variations of ammonoid taxa in terms of taphonomic processes, sedimentary dilution, and paleoenvironmental factors; and (2) discuss the habitat and mode of life of some Late Albian ammonoids with respect to their morphology and abundance variations. Most variations in ammonoid absolute abundance are not the result of post-mortem shell transport. High abundance within the Breistroffer interval is due partly to a low accumulation rate, which is related to a maximum-flooding stage. The different trends observed among ammonoid taxa can be interpreted partly in terms of response to changes in trophic conditions inferred ...

Milking strategy in subantarctic fur seals Arctocephalus tropicalis breeding on Amsterdam Island: evidence from changes in milk composition.

Milk composition was investigated throughout the 10-mo pup-rearing period in subantarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus tropicalis) breeding on Amsterdam Island. The mean milk composition was 42.8% +/- 5.7% lipid, 12.1% +/- 1.5% protein, and 42.6% +/- 7.3% water. Subantarctic fur seals breeding on Amsterdam Island produced one of the richest milks ever reported in otariids (20.4 +/- 2.9 kJ/g), with lipid content contributing 85% of total gross energy. The high lipid levels measured in the milk of subantarctic fur seals breeding on Amsterdam Island is consistent (i) with the relatively long time lactating females spend at sea, due to the relatively poor local trophic conditions near the colony that necessitate that they travel long distances to reach the foraging grounds, and (ii) with the consequently short time mothers spend with their pups ashore. Milk composition changed according to the time mothers were fasting ashore: milk produced during the first 2 d spent ashore, when more than 80% of milk transfer occurred, had higher levels of lipids, proteins, and gross energy than milk produced later during the visit ashore, suggesting that the pups were fed with two types of milk during a suckling period. Throughout the year, mothers in good condition produced milk of higher lipid content than others, suggesting that individual foraging skills contribute to enhance milk quality. Milk lipid and gross energy content varied with pup age, according to quadratic relationships, increasing during the earlier stages of lactation before reaching asymptotic values when pups were 180 d old. The stage of lactation appears to be a better predictor of milk lipid content than the duration of the preceding foraging trip, suggesting that either changes in the nutritional requirements of the pup and/or seasonal changes in trophic conditions act on milk composition. These changes in milk quality may also be related to changes in maternal care; lactating subantarctic fur seals apparently reallocate their body reserves toward gestation rather than lactation at the end of the pup-rearing period.

Water outflow as a cause of changes in trophic conditions for zooplanktivorous fish in reservoirs

The seasonal changes and vertical distribution of zooplankton, the export of zooplankters by outflow through water management installations, and the feeding of zooplanktivorous fish were studied in two Bulgarian reservoirs. In a bottom‐draining reservoir, planktonic crustacea > 1.0 mm were found to be selectively exported as a result of their diurnal vertical migrations. Increases in water outflow for irrigation resulted in a decrease in total zooplankton abundance, as well as changes in zooplankton size and species composition at the beginning of the summer. At the same time, major changes occurred in the feeding patterns of bleak, Alburnus alburnus (L.), and juvenile pikeperch, Stizostedion lucioperca (L.), the principal zooplanktivores in this reservoir. It is easy for bleak to switch to feeding on an alternative food, but a lack of available large prey organisms is suggested as the main cause of the downstream movement of pikeperch juveniles. In a surface‐draining reservoir, the pattern of zooplankton export corresponded to those in natural lakes. Discharged water carried with it mainly small‐sized epilimnetic zooplankton from the most numerous groups (i.e. rotifers, juvenile copepods and cladocerans) in the reservoir. Furthermore, outflow exports represent a relatively small part of total zooplankton number, and thus, do not disturb the natural zooplankton succession, and changes in abundance and composition Coincidental changes in the trophic responses for zooplanktivores (mainly juvenile cyprinids and percids) were not found.

Longitudinal changes of trophic conditions in a small Bavarian river (Rott, FRG) altered by sewage discharge and an artificial reservoir

Longitudinal changes of trophic conditions in a small Bavarian river (Rott, FRG) altered by sewage discharge and an artificial reservoir

Population dynamics of the freshwater dinoflagellate Ceratium hirundinella in the largest shallow lake of Central Europe, Lake Balaton, Hungary

SUMMARY. Horizontal distribution, long‐term (1933–82) and short‐term (day‐to‐day) changes in abundance, vertical stratification and circadian rhythm of the freshwater dinoflagellate Ceratium hirtmdinella were studied in Lake Balaton, the largest shallow lake of Central Europe. The lowest abundance was consistently found in those areas of the lake which had the strongest currents. The density of C. hirundinella seemed to be, at least in those parts of the lake above the level of fertility considered oligotrophic, insensitive to changes in trophic conditions; only its relative contribution to total biomass decreased with increased enrichment. During the day the bulk of the population stayed at a level in which the light intensity was between 126 and 440 μE m‐2 s‐1 PAR.