| Few studies have examined the benthic macroinvertebrate community in Onondaga Lake, Syracuse, NY. Sampling of benthic macroinvertebrates was conducted in Onondaga Lake and its tributaries during summer 2007: (1) to describe the littoral zone macroinvertebrates in the lake, (2) to assess the influence of downstream drift on the lake community, and (3) to identify potential colonizers into the lake as conditions in the lake continue to improve. Samples in the lake were collected at 1 m and 3 m depths. Mollusks were the most abundant taxa collected in lake samples. Depth did not have a significant effect on diversity or biotic index scores. Stable substrate and the presence of aquatic macrophytes positively influenced macroinvertebrate diversity and density. Habitat and the invertebrate communities in the tributaries were similar to sites sampled in the lake. Invertebrate colonization by stream drift appears highly probable. Initial results suggest that improvements to tributary habitat are also needed to ultimately improve invertebrate diversity in Onondaga Lake.;Key words: Onondaga Lake, benthic macroinvertebrates, drift, restoration, gastropods, depth... |
