Movement of invasive species (or aquatic nuisance species; ANS) between the Laurentian Great Lakes and the Mississippi River basin constitutes a considerable threat to the ecological integrity of both waterways. Understanding this, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers set out to evaluate possible ANS control mechanisms that could be undertaken near probable aquatic pathways in the Chicago area (GLMRIS 2014). With the looming threat of four species of invasive carps (silver Hypophthalmicthys molitrix, bighead Hypophthalmicthys nobilis, black Mylopharyngodon piceus, and grass Ctenopharyngodon idella) entering Lake Michigan, evaluations of ANS control feasibility at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam are currently underway.
My work in this context focuses on the potential effects that the Brandon Road Lock and Dam ANS controls (along with additional control scenarios) may have on fishes and other aquatic organisms of the Illinois River. Of primary concern are aspects such as changes to longitudinal and lateral connectivity, water quality, and water quantity resulting from ANS control measures. While my primary focus is on fishes, I am also investigating potential effects on freshwater mussels. Substantial investment has gone into rehabilitating aquatic communities upriver of Brandon Road Lock and Dam and there is concern that ANS controls at this point may undermine these efforts. Thus, striking a balance between ANS controls and continued habitat rehabilitation will be important. Peer reviewed publications: Altenritter, M.E., S.M. Pescitelli, A.L. Whitten, and A.F. Casper. 2019. Implications of an invasive fish barrier for the long-term recovery of native fish assemblages in a previously degraded northeastern Illinois river system. River Research and Applications 35:1044-1052. doi: 10.1002/rra.3457 Technical report: Altenritter, ME and Casper AF. 2018. Evaluating the potential responses of native fish and mussels to proposed separation of Lake Michigan from the Illinois River Waterway at Brandon Road Lock and Dam. Illinois Natural History Survey Technical Report 2018 (29). |
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