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A field guide to valuable underwater aquatic plants of the Great Lakes

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Abstract

Underwater plants are a valuable part of the Great Lakes ecosystem, providing food and shelter for aquatic animals. Aquatic plants also help stabilize sediments, thereby reducing shoreline erosion. Annual fall die-offs of underwater plants provide food and shelter for overwintering small aquatic animals such as insects, snails, and freshwater shrimp.

In some areas, underwater plants may be the dominant primary producer in the food chain supporting animal populations. Fish, for example, are usually more abundant where underwater plants are found. Plants and associated animals are a source of food for fish and waterfowl in the Great Lakes (Table 1). Despite the importance of underwater plants in the Great Lakes, very little is known about them, partly because of the difficulty of observing the plants in their natural habitat.

The purpose of this field guide is to aid in the identification of common underwater plants in the Great Lakes. These plants are found mostly in shallow, nearshore waters along sheltered bays, peninsulas, and the four connecting rivers of the Great Lakes, including the St. Lawrence River (Figure 1). Connecting rivers are especially favorable for aquatic plants because they are shallow, have a consistent flow of water, and are protected from heavy wave action typical of other Great Lakes shorelines.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype Other Report
Title A field guide to valuable underwater aquatic plants of the Great Lakes
Year Published 1986
Language English
Publisher U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Great Lakes Fishery Laboratory
Publisher location Ann Arbor, MI
Contributing office(s) Great Lakes Science Center
Description 32 p.
Country United States
Other Geospatial Great Lakes
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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