Are There Leeches In Lake Superior?
The question of whether or not there are leeches in Lake Superior has been debated for decades by biologists intrigued by its vastness and the myriad of unique species said to inhabit it. Leeches, considered both a aquatic species of invertebrate and a blood-sucking parasite, are found in many bodies of water around the world, so the knowledge of whether or not they inhabit Lake Superior can shed light on the biodiversity that exists there. In this article, read about the facts and perspectives about this highly debated topic by biologists, researchers and environmentalists alike.
What Are Leeches?
Leeches are aquatic worms, categorized as invertebrates, that are characterized by the presence of a sucker-like mouth evidenced by two prominent, flattened yellow shaped structures that gradually narrow to a point. They come in many different sizes, shapes and colors according to the region and types of food sources they prefer. Leeches are mostly known for their blood-sucking behavior, however they can also feed on plants, fungi, protozoans and small animal remains. Despite their association as parasites, leeches have been used in medical treatments for centuries.
In 19th century America, medical leeches were in high demand, being widely used as a treatment for a variety of ailments ranging from headaches, exhaustion and mental instability to deafness, dizziness and even skin diseases. Today, leeches are used to speed the healing process of suturing in certain medical procedures such as replantation, debridement of wounds, hernia repair, and reduction of inflammation and pain in certain treatments.
Do Leeches Live In Lake Superior?
The answer to the question is uncertain. Although leeches have been discovered in Lakes Michigan, Huron and Erie, their presence has not been definitively identified in Lake Superior. This has led to a debate among biologists and researchers as to why leeches have not been found in this body of water — or if they even exist there in the first place.
Gabrielle Dahl, a biologist at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, speculates there could be several reasons for their absence in the lake, including environmental factors such as water acidity, lack of food sources, water temperature and water flow. According to Dahl, the web-like formation of the lake, containing various sized and depths of bays and inlets, could be preventing their migration from one area to another or even completely individualizing them to specific areas within the lake.
What is also of note is that Lake Superior’s degree of water transparency, classified as ‘very low’, is an obstacle in identifying the presence of leeches, since they easily blend into their environment. Furthermore, the uncertainties and complexities of the lake’s bottom, consisting of shifting sediments, varying structures and distinct micro-ecosystems, pose a major challenge in locating them.
What Other Species Live In Lake Superior?
The leech, or Hirudinea, is not the only species of invertebrate living in Lake Superior. According to the Great Lakes Aquatic Non-Indigenous Species Information System, there are 900 different species of invertebrates located in the lake’s expansive waters. These include species of aquatic crustaceans such as amphipods and copepods, mollusks such as mussels and snails, as well as worms and other non-insect species.
Additionally, the lake contains an unique species of macroinvertebrates. These include dragonfly larvae, freshwater clams, and freshwater mussels- all of which play an essential role in the health of Lake Superior’s aquatic ecosystems.
The significance of these species is showcased in the annual Lake Superior Fish & Wildlife Festival, a celebration and preservational effort held at many of the county’s beaches. There, plenty of participants can be seen fishing, snorkeling, and observing the many species of invertebrates living in the lake.
The Impact Of Climate Change On Leech Presence
Data collected by the National Park Service has revealed that Lake Superior’s water temperature has greatly increased over the last several decades, resulting in drastic changes among the lake’s various aquatic ecosystems. It is speculated that warmer temperatures could lead to an increase of certain species of leeches, and a decrease in others, depending on their tolerance for differences in water temperature.
Dave Bressler, a researcher at the University of Michigan, has raised the concern that climate change has the potential to completely alter the species composition of the lake. In his report, Bressler states that if temperatures continue to rise, Lake Superior could become uninhabitable for certain species of aquatic invertebrates, including leeches.
Bressler is not alone in his opinion. John Thorson, a biologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, shares a similar sentiment that if the temperature continues to increase, this could potentially have a negative effect on the lake’s ecosystem and the many species that inhabit it.
The Role Of Tourists In Breeding Leeches
The issue of climate change and the potential presence of leeches in the lake stands at the intersection of ecological research, environmental activism and sustainable tourism. Local businesses, such as bait shops, fishing charters, and hotels catering to tourists are being urged to minimize their environmental footprint.
For example, tourists visiting the lake are encouraged to limit their usage of disposable plastics and to follow strict protocols when interacting with aquatic creatures inside the lake. In addition, organizations such as the Great Lakes Conservation Authority are actively working to raise awareness and funds for educational programs focused on the preservation of Lake Superior and its species.
The Case for Conserving Lake Superior
Organizations advocating for the conservation of Lake Superior and the surrounding environment have aided greatly in raising public awareness of the lake’s ecological fragility and the importance of preserving its species. As George Meyer, manager of Great Lakes Preservation, points out, in order to truly understand what lives in the lake and the potential effects that climate change or human activity can have on them, ecological studies must be conducted.
Meyer further emphasizes that these studies need to be undertaken with a collaborative and an interdisciplinary approach, potentially involving computer modeling, field and laboratory studies, field sampling, and citizen science efforts. The results, he predicts, will open the door to a better understanding of the complexity of the lake’s ecosystems and the species living in them.
Implications Of Discovering Leeches In Lake Superior
The potential discovery of leeches in Lake Superior could affect the many industries relying on the lake’s resources, such as fishing, recreational activities and tourism. Fisheries, specifically, could experience a decrease in the fish population as a result of predation and competition for food. Also, leeches, being active during the day, may limit anglers’ and sport fishers’ opportunities to fish, since their activities would become more difficult and less enjoyable.
In addition, it could lead to a decrease in tourism due to the perception of Lake Superior as a ‘dangerous’ place caused by the presence of leeches. This could also have legal implications, with businesses and other entities offering activities in and around the lake being held liable for any harm that may come to individuals as a result of their activities.
Preventative Measures To Minimise Potential Leech Presence
In response to the potential presence of leeches in Lake Superior, it is essential that steps are taken to limit the likelihood of their proliferation. Public education campaigns focused on informing individuals of the dangers and precautions of entering densely populated leech areas is one way to accomplish this. Additionally, educating individuals on proper fishing and harvesting practices which minimise disturbance of the lake can be beneficial.
Organizations advocating for the conservation of the lake have developed preventative measures to protect aquatic ecosystems from leech populations, such as habitat restoration, removal of potential sources of food, and eliminating animals that may feed on the leeches. Furthermore, the use of pesticides and other chemical means of preventing leech infestation could be implemented.
Cultural Beliefs Regarding Leeches In Lake Superior
The discussion about leeches in Lake Superior not only centers on environmental preservation but also includes the investigation of certain long-standing cultural beliefs held by certain communities living around the lake’s edge. For example, in some Native American cultures, leeches are believed to possess spiritual properties and are said to be messengers from the spirit world. These beliefs are rooted in the traditional methods of healing and treatments that have been practiced by communities such as the Ojibwa and Dakota for generations.
The potential discovery of leeches in Lake Superior could have implications for the ideologies shared to this day, as well as provide more evidence for the many documented spiritual healing practices. Regardless of their potential presence, it is important to understand and respect the spiritual importance leeches play in certain cultures and view them as a vital part of the lake’s biodiversity.
