Constructed aquatic ecosystems in the Chicago Region are an important source and pathway for the continent-wide spread of invasive species

The Chicago metropolitan region straddles the boundary between the Laurentian Great Lakes and Mississippi River Basins. Since 1900 these basins have been hydrologically connected by the Chicago Sanitary and Shipping Canal. This Canal has facilitated the spread of many invasive species, and construction of harbors in nearby Lake Michigan has created novel habitat that allows the establishment of invasive species. The combination of these constructed ecosystems with high rates of species introduction has resulted in high numbers of invasive species. I will report on sampling results and experiments that show how these waterways have been colonized by a range of non-native species and how the spread of these species can be slowed. Sampling results cover crayfishes, macrophytes, and mollusks, and include our recent discovery that starry stonewort (Nitelopsis obtusa) is established in multiple Chicago harbors. I will also cover the effectiveness of electric barriers and pollution at limiting the spread of invasive species in these constructed waterways. Our experimental results show that electric barriers are not an effective prevention technology for invertebrates, but that pollution is a barrier for some species, including the high-risk invaders scud (Apocorophium lacustre) and bloody red shrimp (Hemimysis anomola). These results emphasize that constructed aquatic ecosystems in the Chicago region are a major hub for species invasions and that management could reduce environmental and economic impacts across North America.

Presentation Preference: Oral

Primary Presenter: Reuben Keller, Loyola University Chicago (rkeller1@luc.edu)

Authors:

Reuben Keller, Loyola University Chicago  (rkeller1@luc.edu)