Project/Activity
- Version 1 of 1
Title: PhD Research. Gary Stephen Rushworth. The role of aquatic macroinvertebrates within reedswamps
Related Party - Individual (PhD Candidate): Doctor Gary Rushworth* (The Freshwater Biological Association, and the University of Leeds) Email address: dis@fba.org.uk
Related Party - Organisation (Funder): The Freshwater Biological Association
Related Party - Organisation (Funder): University of Leeds
Abstract:
Reedswamps are a key feature of the shallows of many lakes, influencing biodiversity and functioning, but are in decline in lakes throughout Europe for reasons that are unclear. The consequences of changes in reedswamp structure and coverage for whole lake functioning is an important gap in knowledge for Windermere and many other lakes. Macroinvertebrate data from two lakes in the Windermere catchment were used to investigate the influence of reedswamp habitat upon biodiversity, and key ecological processes such as decomposition. A semi-quantitative survey highlighted the importance of reedswamp size, shape, and structure in determining the ways in which macroinvertebrates influence lake functioning. Collection of macroinvertebrates from a wide range of niches along vertical and horizontal axes using a hand-net was a unique approach, and provided novel insights into key ecological processes. For example, seasonal influences were modified by structural heterogeneity, and position within reedswamps. This was supported by the findings of a field-based litter bag experiment; differences in macroinvertebrate seasonal dynamics were associated with differences in litter structure from two species of reed. Furthermore, there were interspecific differences in viii seasonal patterns of litter deposition. Both macroinvertebrate methods were efficient and effective, and should form the basis of a standardised sampling protocol for the shallows of lakes. This body of research on local variations (~8 m) demonstrates the need for a detailed understanding of how structural heterogeneity influences whole lake functioning. This should include comprehensive food webs that include vertebrates, macroinvertebrates, macrophytes, algae, and microbes for reedswamp and other key habitats.
Subject Keywords: Lakes; Littoral zone; Reed swamps; Processes; Mesohabitats; Macroinvertebrates
Geographic Keywords: Windermere; Rydal Water; United Kingdom
Taxonomic Keywords: Phragmites australis; Typha angustifolia
Time Window - Start: 2010-10-01 End: 2014-11-05
Note:
Includes data analysis of various data-sets relating to: (1) reedbed coverage, (2) water quality, (3) hydrological, (4) meteorological (5) macro-invertebrate survey data, and (6) macro-invertebrate litter bag data.
Publication Date: 2015-12-03
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