Examining the interactive effects of climate change and invasive species on a native fish

Session: 08b. - Restoration of Native Fishes

Meagan Kindree, University of Toronto Scarborough, [email protected]
Nicholas Mandrak, Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, [email protected]

Abstract

Biological invasions are occurring at an increasing rate and are a major contributor to biodiversity loss globally. Warming trends in the Great Lakes are expected to alter competitive interactions of invaders and native species, resulting in ecosystem-level consequences. The White Sucker is hypothesized to be an important link transporting offshore benthic energy to nearshore and tributary habitats within the Great Lakes. Its recent decline in spawning-run size may have a substantial impact on energy flow into Great Lakes tributaries. One possible explanation for this decline is competition with the invasive Round Goby, which could be exacerbated by climate change. Functional-response experiments have been used to predict the impacts of invasive species on native species along environmental gradients. Functional-response experiments will be undertaken to examine the potential impact of Round Goby on White Sucker under current and future temperatures and stream-flows projected under different warming scenarios in the Great Lakes.

1. Keyword
fish

2. Keyword
invasive species

3. Keyword
climate change