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Experimental acidification of Little Rock Lake (Wisconsin): Fish research approach and early responses

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5650127
; ; ; ;
One goal of research at Little Rock Lake, Wisconsin is to enhance understanding of lake-acidification effects on warm- and cool-water fishery resources. The Little Rock Lake fish assemblage is characteristic of many acid-sensitive waters in North America and is dominated by yellow perch (Percidae) and sunfishes (Centrarchidae). Analyses of reproduction, early survival, and growth rates in the field were designed around the differing reproductive modes of these taxa. Complementary laboratory research on early-life stages was conducted to assist in isolating direct effect mechanisms and to determine the reliability of laboratory results in predicting field response. Preliminary findings suggest that lake acidification to pH 5.6 has not influenced reproductive activity of the four most abundant fish species. However, the field results suggest that year-class failure of rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris) may be occurring due to reduced survival of early-life stages. Reduced growth and food-conversion efficiency of Age 0 largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) is also suggested. The laboratory bioassays indicate rock bass is the most acid-sensitive Little Rock Lake species tested. However, rock bass fry survival was not significantly affected until pH was reduced from 5.6 to 5.0.
Research Organization:
Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, MN (USA). Environmental Research Lab.
OSTI ID:
5650127
Report Number(s):
PB-89-198006/XAB; EPA--600/J-89/023
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Related Subjects

520200* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
560300 -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ACID RAIN
ACIDIFICATION
AIR POLLUTION
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
ECOSYSTEMS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
FISHES
GROWTH
LAKES
POLLUTION
RAIN
REPRODUCTION
SURFACE WATERS
VERTEBRATES
WATER POLLUTION