Current invasive species research being conducted at MSU
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Project 14

Project Title: A re-assessment of the magnitude of rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) predation on larval cisco (Coregonus artedi)
Investigators: Jared T. Myers, Jason D. Stockwell, Daniel L. Yule, Michael L. Jones
Contact: Jared Myers (myersjar@msu.edu)

Abstract: The invasion of rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) in the Great Lakes appears to have coincided with the displacement of native cisco (Coregonus artedi) stocks. However, despite the convenience in rainbow smelt for failed cisco recruitment, there have been inconsistent results regarding the relationship between these species in large, complex systems. Within this study our objective is to determine whether predation by rainbow smelt on larval cisco is a significant impediment to the recruitment of Thunder Bay and Black Bay (Lake Superior) cisco populations. Both the icthyoplankton and the fish assemblage of Thunder Bay and Black Bay were surveyed extensively during May 2006. Emergence of cisco larvae was apparent in both bays, yet drastic differences in fish community structure and relative abundance of rainbow smelt were observed. Integrating the collected information within a bioenergetics approach will allow us to evaluate the role of rainbow smelt in determining the magnitude of cisco recruitment. This information will then be applied to modeling efforts aimed to facilitate restoration of cisco in the lower Great Lakes.

For more information:
Michael L. Jones, Ph.D.: http://glpd.fw.msu.edu/Mike.htm
Jared T. Myers: http://glpd.fw.msu.edu/Mike/myers.htm