Graduate Student: Sara Schmidt Adviser: Dr. Michael Bozek
Littoral zones can be structurally diverse among and within lakes providing a wide array of habitat for aquatic organisms. However, little work has been done to quantify littoral zone structure and integrate findings into generalized management applications. Specifically, research is needed on evaluating complexity of littoral zone habitats to better understand how habitat structure influences aquatic communities. And despite the importance of littoral zone habitats and our lack of quantitative and qualitative knowledge, human alteration of littoral zone structure continues as human development in riparian areas increases. The objective of this study is to create multi-dimensional littoral zone fingerprints of lakes in order to display habitat complexity and to develop metrics for comparison. We quantified littoral zone habitat in eleven north temperate lakes along transects from shore to 3m depth; depth, size and percent substrate cover, macrophytes, and coarse woody structure were measured using snorkel gear. Multi-dimensional ordinations, or fingerprints, of habitat features display the variation in habitat occurring within and among lakes. Results indicate that fingerprints reveal clear patterns of littoral zone habitat, variation in habitat structure among lakes, and rare habitats within lakes. Applications of fingerprints and habitat metrics will further our understanding of habitat types that complement certain species guilds for fisheries and other aquatic organisms. Defined patterns can also aid in classifying, protecting and restoring littoral zone habitats in lakes.
Pictures on this page provided by Sara Schmidt
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