Peculiarities of Marine Life in Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes that are shared among the US states of Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and part of Minnesota. It is the second-largest lake in the United States, with a surface area of 22,404 square miles and a Volume of 1,180 cubic miles. Due to its huge size, Lake Michigan is home to a diverse and abundant range of marine life species.
The most intriguing and captivating marine life found in Lake Michigan is the native species such as the sturgeon and the whitefish, along with a variety of other fish species like the smallmouth bass, walleye, and yellow perch. Other mammals like the beaver, deer, and moose are also found in the area. Additionally, several varieties of songbirds, including the yellow warbler, ring-necked pheasant, and blue jay can be spotted within the vicinity of the lake.
Since the late 19th century, human activity such as fishing and other forms of resource exploitation have caused great disruptions in the natural balance of the lake’s ecosystem. This, combined with the changing climate, have affected the biodiversity of the lake negatively. However, several species of fish and other aquatic animals have adapted to the new environment and prospered over the last few decades.
Lake Michigan is a highly productive lake, and the high concentration of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus has created an ideal breeding environment for aquatic species, stimulating their growth and encouraging their reproductive success. These nutrients, sourced mainly from agricultural runoff, have contributed to the healthy development of the lake’s fish population, providing sustenance to commercial fisheries and recreational anglers alike. In addition, the lake also hosts a large number of aquatic invertebrates such as crayfish, leeches, and dragonflies, which help maintain the lake’s overall water quality.
One of the most unique marine animals that has made its home in Lake Michigan is the invasive species of silver carp, which has become increasingly common in the lake over the past few years. Originally from the Yangtze River in China, these fish were introduced to the United States for aquaculture purposes in the 1970s. Since then, they have spread to various other bodies of water, including Lake Michigan. They have caused much disruption to the local ecosystems, as they feed on plankton, which is the primary food source of native species. They also compete for resources with native species, further reducing their populations.
The native species of Lake Michigan have been subject to many threats over the years, but conservation efforts have been put in place to help with the preservation of these species. Artificial reefs have been built to provide safe habitats for fish, and harvesting of fish has been regulated to promote sustainability. There have also been ongoing campaigns to educate people about the importance of conserving the lake’s marine life, while introducing measures such as fishing charters that are designed to encourage the sustainable use of resources.
In conclusion, Lake Michigan is a haven for aquatic species, providing home to a wide range of native and invasive marine life. Appropriate measures must be taken to ensure the lake’s long-term sustainability and the protection of the various species’ populations.
Microorganisms of Lake Michigan
Although fish, aquatic invertebrates, and large mammals may always be the star species of Lake Michigan, microorganisms play an essential role as well. Microorganisms, or microbes, are microscopic organisms and comprise about 98% of the lake’s biological biomass. These are mainly bacteria, archaea, and protists, grouped together referred to as plankton. Plankton are tiny organisms that live suspended in the water column, and they serve some essential functions to the lake and its aquatic life.
Microbes absorb oxygen, recycle nutrients, and they play an essential role in regulating food webs and providing sustenance to their more substantial counterparts. Many of the microbes in Lake Michigan are photosynthetic, meaning they require sunlight to survive. This process produces oxygen, which is essential for other organisms to live. Micro algae, such as diatoms, play a major role in this process while also providing a food source to other species as well as energy to the rest of the food chain.
The microorganisms of the lake are also responsible for processing the oxygen, nitrogen and phosphorus present in the water. This is the process known as nutrient cycling which helps to maintain a healthy environment for the larger organisms. This makes them invaluable for maintaining the ecological balance of the lake and its surrounding environment. The microbiota of the lake are also capable of breaking down complex organic compounds into simpler forms, which can make them available for other life forms to utilize.
Furthermore, microbes can also play a role in human health as many of these organisms can be beneficial. Bacteria, for instance, can protect against certain viruses and reduce the effects of harmful pollutants in the water. As such, they are essential to the overall health of the lake’s inhabitants and the surrounding environment.
The lake’s microorganisms form a complex and intricate web of life that is vital for the ecosystem’s functioning. Although sometimes overlooked, the microorganisms of Lake Michigan are integral to the health of the environment and the larger organisms that inhabit it.
Impact of Rising Water Temperature on Marine Life
The water temperature of Lake Michigan has an essential role in the survival of its marine life. As temperatures increase, fish become more active and their range expands. Cold-water species, such as native trout and salmon, will become less abundant over time if water temperature rises beyond a certain level. Most of Lake Michigan’s native fish species prefer temperatures between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit where they can feed and reproduce most efficiently.
In the past few decades, water temperatures in the lake have increased exponentially due to climate change. This has had numerous implications on the lake’s inhabitants, from coral bleaching to the disruption of food web dynamics. Native fish species such as lake trout and lake whitefish have become increasingly rare in recent years, and the lake’s food web has been disrupted by unprecedented blooms of exotic species such as the round goby, a fish native to Eurasian waters but first observed on Lake Michigan in the early 1990s.
In addition, water temperature fluctuations can result in the destruction of weed beds, which are an essential habitat for fish and other aquatic species. A warming lake can also have catastrophic outcomes for the lake’s delicate ecosystem, as it can encourage harmful algal blooms and trigger the spread of invasive species.
Rising water temperatures in Lake Michigan have thus caused significant changes to the lake’s ecology, with potentially severe repercussions if the trend continues unchecked. Therefore, it is essential to promote conservation awareness and implement appropriate measures to help protect the lake’s marine life in the face of increased temperatures.
Contamination Impact on Marine Life in Lake Michigan
Since the advent of industrialization, the water quality of Lake Michigan has suffered greatly as a result of pollution from human activities including agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, and sewage dumping. This has caused various pollutants such as heavy metals, nitrogen, and phosphorous to enter the lake and disrupt the ecological balance of its marine life.
Excess levels of nitrogen and phosphorus are the most detrimental, as they cause algal blooms which deplete the water of oxygen and threaten the survival of other species. The chemical contaminants found in the lake, such as nitrates and phosphates, have been proven to have a negative impact on the health of aquatic life in the lake.
The overabundance of harmful and toxic substances in the lake water has caused numerous species of fish to become either extinct or critically endangered. Additionally, chemical contamination has also been linked to a rise in the number of disease-carrying pathogens in Lake Michigan.
There have been several efforts in recent years to reduce the contamination of the lake and help restore the environment. The Lake Michigan Fellowship Program, for instance, was developed with the goal of educating local communities about the need to conserve their environment and reduce their contribution of pollutants.
It is evident that pollution has had a devastating impact on the water quality of Lake Michigan, threatening the health and survival of its marine life. Measures must be taken in order to address the root causes of contamination and ensure the lake’s long-term sustainability.
Changes in the Fishing Practices
Fishing has been an important part of Lake Michigan’s cultural and economic life for many years now, providing sustenance to local communities as well as recreational anglers from around the world. This has had an enormous impact on its marine life, however, causing its fish populations to dwindle and many species to become endangered.
In order to protect the lake’s marine life and preserve its fish population, several fishing regulations have been put in place. These include restrictions on the size and types of fish that can be harvested as well as the areas where fishing is prohibited. In addition, fishermen are encouraged to practice sustainable fishing methods and use appropriate equipment to help them catch their fish without further damaging the environment.
In recent years, several initiatives have been put in place to promote sustainable fishing practices in Lake Michigan. The Michigan United Conservation Clubs Online Fishing Report, for instance, allows members of the public to post information about the current conditions of the lake and the most successful fishing spots. This allows fishermen to make decisions that are more informed and adhere to the regulations set by the local governing bodies.
In conclusion, the changes in fishing practices in Lake Michigan have been essential in safeguarding the lake’s marine life and helping its fish populations to recover. Through sustainable fishing practices, local communities and visitors alike can help to ensure the lake remains a vibrant and thriving ecosystem.
