Multi-decadal trophic shifts in Lake Erie yellow perch Perca flavescens
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Abstract
In Lake Erie, yellow perch Perca flavescens support vast commercial and recreational fisheries, yet populations have recently declined. Using N = 5889 yellow perch stomachs collected from 1997 to 2021, we explored trends in the feeding ecology and trophic level of yellow perch with generalized additive models. Models revealed a significant decrease in yellow perch trophic level (−0.15 trophic levels in the last decade), and significant dietary shifts. Yellow perch have shifted away from feeding on piscine prey and round goby Neogobius melanostomus over the 25-year period, and now feed on invertebrates more frequently—including invasive waterfleas (Bythotrephes longimanus and Cercopagis pengoi) and chironomids. Dietary patterns appear to reflect broad ecological changes—invasive waterfleas have proliferated while populations of forage fish and round goby have declined. Furthermore, hypoxia events have increased in duration and severity, which may explain observed increases in chironomid consumption, which are hypoxia tolerant. This study demonstrates trophic adaptability in yellow perch, which have changed feeding behavior and trophic position in response to novel invaders and changing environmental conditions.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Multi-decadal trophic shifts in Lake Erie yellow perch Perca flavescens |
| Series title | Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences |
| DOI | 10.1139/cjfas-2023-0348 |
| Volume | 81 |
| Issue | 11 |
| Year Published | 2024 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Canadian Science Publishing |
| Contributing office(s) | Great Lakes Science Center |
| Description | 21 p. |
| First page | 1560 |
| Last page | 1580 |
| Country | United States |
| Other Geospatial | Lake Erie |