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Phosphorus depletion in Lake Erie Are we finally addressing the issue before it's too late? Fisheries managers, the science community, academia, gardeners, home owners and many anglers have long known that phosphorus (P) is a vital ingredient for growth. Too much of a good thing is no good, but that's another issue. The serious concern that is finally being addressed head-on is the depletion of too much P, so much so that it is affecting our fish stocks, the Lake's food chain and, as fisheries folks say, lower trophic levels. The Lake Erie Committee, comprised of fisheries folks from Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Ontario, recently shared their concerns over Lake Erie's continued viability when they released their "Position Statement on Lower Trophic Level Changes and their Implications to Fish Community Composition and Productivity of Lake Erie." This
interjurisdictional group of fish folks is finally acknowledging that "major
changes occurring within the ecosystem of Lake Erie are influencing the
fish communities of the Lake." The paper expressed concerns for "P" management
and "further declines in 'P' loadings to the lake which will further influence
the composition and productivity of fish communities within the lake."
They now acknowledge what we all should know that 'P' is a critical element
in all freshwater ecosystems."
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Reactions to concerns of pollution in our environment during the '60s and '70s provoked many pieces of legislation nationally and internationally. As is so often the case, USEPA, Environment Canada, other agencies and our respective federal governments overreacted in knee jerk fashion to the environmental movement. In quick fashion we had the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, Great Lakes Initiative, and various state initiatives, all addressing pollution. One could say now we repent in leisure, but that is not the case. Surprisingly, today state/provincial agencies are addressing the issue and people are listening. Yesterday, as one fish chief said, "It would have been heresy to even consider addressing the issue of too much 'P' depletion as cause for concern." The
Committee also acknowledges exotics are playing a role in the lake's ecosystem
changes but these changes are not entirely understood. Fisheries managers
are now asking for a thorough review of 'P' management on Lake Erie
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| DEC
to conduct stomach content study
The
DEC has budgeted funds to study the stomach contents of salmonines in
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The
results may well affect the stocking program of the future. If the study
reveals less dependence on alewives than previously predicted, this could
impact future stocking programs as the lake biomass would be capable of
supporting a larger number of fish than currently stocked based on the current model. |
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the next Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, a position that includes promotion to four-star admiral, the White House announced recently. Loy will succeed Adm. Robert E. Kramek during a change-of-command ceremony scheduled for May 29, 1998. |
 USFWS
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