Peter Kasprzak

Rapid and highly variable warming of lake surface waters around the globe

In this first worldwide synthesis of in situ and satellite-derived lake data, we find that lake summer surface water temperatures rose rapidly (global mean = 0.34°C decade−1) between 1985 and 2009. Our analyses show that surface water warming rates are dependent on combinations of climate and local characteristics, rather than just lake location, leading to the counterintuitive result that regional consistency in lake warming is the exception, rather than the rule. The most rapidly warming lakes are widely geographically distributed, and their warming is associated with interactions among different climatic factors—from seasonally ice-covered lakes in areas where temperature and solar radiation are increasing while cloud cover is diminishing (0.72°C decade−1) to ice-free lakes experiencing increases in air temperature and solar radiation (0.53°C decade−1). The pervasive and rapid warming observed here signals the urgent need to incorporate climate impacts into vulnerability assessments and adaptation efforts for lakes.

A global database of lake surface temperatures collected by in situ and satellite methods from 1985–2009

Global environmental change has influenced lake surface temperatures, a key driver of ecosystem structure and function. Recent studies have suggested significant warming of water temperatures in individual lakes across many different regions around the world. However, the spatial and temporal coherence associated with the magnitude of these trends remains unclear. Thus, a global data set of water temperature is required to understand and synthesize global, long-term trends in surface water temperatures of inland bodies of water. We assembled a database of summer lake surface temperatures for 291 lakes collected in situ and/or by satellites for the period 1985–2009. In addition, corresponding climatic drivers (air temperatures, solar radiation, and cloud cover) and geomorphometric characteristics (latitude, longitude, elevation, lake surface area, maximum depth, mean depth, and volume) that influence lake surface temperatures were compiled for each lake. This unique dataset offers an invaluable baseline perspective on global-scale lake thermal conditions as environmental change continues.

Long term study on the influence of eutrophication, restoration and biomanipulation on the structure and development of phytoplankton communities in Feldberger Haussee (Baltic Lake District, Germany)

Feldberger Haussee provides a classic example of eutrophication history of hardwater lakes in the Baltic Lake District (Germany) and of changes in their algal flora during the 20th century. The lake originally was regarded as slightly eutrophic. A process of drastic eutrophication from the 1950s until the end of the 1970s caused mass developments of blue-green and green algae. A restoration program was started in the 1980s to improve the water quality of the lake using both diversion of sewage outside the catchment area, and biomanipulation by altering the fish community. This restoration program led to positive changes in the lake ecosystem. Direct effects of biomanipulation resulted in an increase of herbivorous zooplankton, a decrease of phytoplankton biomass, and an increase of water transparency. The recovery of Feldberger Haussee also may have been indirectly enhanced by an increase in nutrient sedimentation as a consequence of intensified calcite precipitation, decrease in phosphorus remobilization due to a pH-decrease, increased NIP-ratio, and recolonization of the littoral zone by macrophytes. This paper concentrates on the long term development of the phytoplankton community as a response to changes in the food web structure as well as to alterations in the chemical environment of the algae. Both are reflected in four major stages passed by the algal assemblage between 1980 and 1994: (1) From 1980-summer 1985 dense green algal populations were found indicating similar conditions as in the 1970s during the period of maximum eutrophication. (2) A diverse phytoplankton community during summer 1985–1989 showed the first effects of a recovery. (3) From 1990–1992 the phytoplankton was characterized by ungrazeable filamentous blue-green algae first of all as a response to increased herbivory of zooplankton on edible species and to increasing N/P-ratios. (4) Finally, the algal species diversity increased in 1993 and 1994 whereas the phytoplankton biomass decreased showing the success of the combined restoration measures.

Temperature sensitivity of vertical distributions of zooplankton and planktivorous fish in a stratified lake

Recent studies have indicated that temporal mismatches between interacting populations may be caused by consequences of global warming, for example rising spring temperatures. However, little is known about the impact of spatial temperature gradients, their vulnerability to global warming, and their importance for interacting populations. Here, we studied the vertical distribution of two planktivorous fish species (Coregonus spp.) and their zooplankton prey in the deep, oligotrophic Lake Stechlin (Germany). The night-time vertical centre of gravity both of the fish populations and of two of their prey groups, daphnids and copepods, were significantly correlated to the seasonally varying water temperature between March and December 2005. During the warmer months, fish and zooplankton occurred closer to the surface of the lake and experienced higher temperatures. The Coregonus populations differed significantly in their centre of gravity; hence, also, the temperature experienced by the populations was different. Likewise, daphnids and copepods occurred in different water depths and hence experienced different temperatures at least during the summer months. We conclude that any changes in the vertical temperature gradient of the lake as a result of potential future global warming may impact the two fish populations differently, and may shape interaction strength and timing between fish and their zooplankton prey.

Trophic Characterization, Pelagic Food Web Structure and Comparison of Two Mesotrophic Lakes in Brandenburg (Germany)

We conducted comprehensive field investigations to characterise the trophic status and food web structure of Grosser Vatersee (GV) and Kleiner Vatersee (KV), two stratified lakes in the Baltic lake region of northeastern Germany. The lakes will be used as manipulation (GV) and reference (KV) ecosystems in food web studies. Both lakes are mesotrophic to slightly eu rophic with mean epilimnetic total phosphorus (P) concentrations of 24 and 21 μg L -1 in GV and KV, respectively. Mean phytoplankton biomass was 0.9 and 0.5 cm 3 m - in GV and KV. During summer, the algal community of both lakes was dominated by cyanobacterial picoplankton and Ceratium spp. Filamentous cyanobacteria (mostly Planktothrix sp.) prevailed in a deep chlorophyll maximum found within the chemocline of both lakes. Bacterial biomass in the epilimnion of GV usually ranged between 1 and 3 cm 3 m 3 . Mean ciliate abundance was 13 ind. mL -1 in GV and 14 ind. mL -1 in KV. While Oligotricha dominated in GV, Scuticociliata were found most frequently in KV. Mean annual crustacean biomass was high in both lakes (GV 2.5 cm 3 m -3 , KV 1.2 cm 3 m -3 ); Eudiaptomus gracilis, E, graciloides and Daphnia spp. were the most prominent species. Total fish biomass of both lakes was dominated by roach (GV 52%; KV 57%) and perch (GV 24%; KV 34%) Vaucheria dichotoma and Chara spp. dominated the macrophyte community in GV; Chara spp. dominated in KV. The slightly more eutrophic character of GV was most likely a result of greater P accumulation in the sediments due to external loading, which resulted in greater hypolimnetic P concentrations throughout the summer in GV. However, on an annual basis these differences were only occasionally reflected at higher trophic levels. The differences in fish biomass, however, might have been a consequence of higher structural diversity in GV provided by submersed macrophytes rather than its more eutrophic character. We conclude that the trophic characteristics and food web structure of Grosser Vatersee and Kleiner Vatersee are similar enough to be suitable as manipulation and reference lakes in food web experiments.

Management of a pikeperch stock in a long-term biomanipulated stratified lake: efficient predation vs. low recruitment

Pikeperch is an efficient predator in the pelagic zone of eutrophic and hypertrophic lakes and has, therefore, been used in several biomanipulation projects. Pikeperch stocking has also been part of the manipulation strategy in Feldberger Haussee, Germany. From 1996 to 1999, population development, growth and diet composition of pikeperch in Feldberger Haussee were studied. From 1996 to 1998, the population was dominated by two cohorts. Only in years with warm summers, recruitment from 0+ fish to older age-classes was successful. It appears likely that due to the relatively high depth of the lake the spawning period is delayed as a result of a slower temperature increase in spring. Therefore, 0+ pikeperch cannot benefit from the spring maximum of the zooplankton. This may be the reason for the slow growth and consequently, hampers the switch to piscivory for the majority of 0+ pikeperch. However, after becoming piscivorous, the pikeperch showed a reasonably good growth. Predation was mainly directed towards roach and 0+ perch, the major planktivores. The results of the present study confirm the role of pikeperch as an efficient predator of zooplanktivorous fish in open-water dominated lakes. Yet, it is suggested that the probability of successful recruitment of pikeperch in deeper, stratified lakes is reduced. Therefore, stable self-sustaining pikeperch populations cannot be expected in such lakes and regular stocking measures may be necessary even if a potential spawning stock exists.

Restoration of a Stratified Lake (Feldberger Haussee, Germany) by a Combination of Nutrient Load Reduction and Long-Term Biomanipulation

A long-term biomanipulation has been performed in the stratified Feldberger Haussee since 1985. Prior to manipulation, nutrient load to the lake had declined due to waste water removal. Planktivorous fish were reduced by seining and by enhancement of piscivorous fish. Changes in transparency, nutrients, phytoplankton, zooplankton and fish were documented for both the premanipulation period (1978-1985) and the manipulation period (1986-1998). Transparency increased in response to the manipulation (+54%), but strong year-to-year fluctuations were observed. These fluctuations were correlated to chlorophyll a, primary production and the proportion of piscivores in the fish community. We conclude that the success of the restoration was predominantly attributed to bottom-up forces as a result of the declining nutrient load and an intensified co-precipitation of phosphorus with calcite. However, the increased predation impact by the piscivorous fish may have caused a reduced nutrient recycling by the planktivorous fish thus contributing also to the improvement in water quality.

Assessing resilience in long-term ecological data sets

In this paper the concept of resilience is discussed on the base of 13 case studies from the German branch of the International Long-Term Ecological Research Program. In the introduction the resilience approach is presented as one possibility to describe ecosystem dynamics. The relations with the concepts of adaptability and ecological integrity are discussed and the research questions are formulated. The focal research objectives are related to the conditions of resilient behaviour of ecosystems, the role of spatio-temporal scales, the differences between short- or long-term dynamics, the basic methodological requirements to exactly define resilience, the role of the reference state and indicators and the suitability of resilience as a management concept. The main part of the paper consists of 13 small case study descriptions, which demonstrate phase transitions and resilient dynamics of several terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems at different time scales. In the discussion, some problems arising from the interpretation of the time series are highlighted and discussed. The topics of discussion are the conceptual challenges of the resilience approach, methodological problems, the role of indicator selection, the complex interactions between different disturbances, the significance of time scales and a comparison of the case studies. The article ends with a conclusion which focuses on the demand to link resilience with adaptability, in order to support the long-term dynamics of ecosystem development.

Reduction of nutrient loading and biomanipulation as tools in water quality management: Long-term observations on Bautzen Reservoir and Feldberger Haussee (Germany)

Abstract Long-term (1976–1999) biomanipulation in Bautzen Reservoir (BR) revealed that a combination of piscivore stocking and catch restrictions for piscivores led to the desired effects of low planktivorous fish biomass and enhanced biomass of large filter feeders (Daphnia galeata). Despite the hypertrophic status of BR, fisheries management shifted the planktivore-dominated fish community into a piscivore-dominated community. High winter (Jan-Mar) Daphnia biomass was a sensitive indicator of reduced planktivory. Although edible phytoplankton was suppressed by elevated Daphnia biomass, mean seasonal (May-Oct) total phytoplankton biomass remained unchanged due to growth of large inedible algae and cyanobacteria. Inedible and total phytoplankton biomass was primarily controlled by phosphorus availability. However, during clear water periods a reduction of total phytoplankton was achieved with drastically increased Secchi readings. In Feldberger Haussee (FH), despite intensive long-term manual removal of cyprinids (1985–2002) and stocking of piscivorous fish (1988–2002), biomanipulation only had restricted, delayed, or transient effects on the ecosystem. Mean proportion of piscivores within total yield increased but was below 20% in most years. Planktivore cyprinid yields dropped until 1990 and remained constant thereafter. Daphnia biomass slightly increased after biomanipulation became effective (1987–1989) but declined to pre-biomanipulation levels later in the experiment (1996–2005). Beginning in 1997, both edible and inedible phytoplankton biomass started to decrease. Finally, when biomanipulation had been implemented after a delay of 8 years water clarity increased significantly. Although external loading reductions and biomanipulation in both lakes resulted in moderate phytoplankton biomass reduction and Secchi depth enhancement, the reasons for the observed changes were different. Even though strong cascading effects were detected at the top of the food web in BR, the trophic cascade was largely decoupled between phyto- and zooplankton. External plus internal phosphorus loading still exceeded a critical threshold below which a top-down-induced indirect effect of phosphorus sedimentation and finally limitation could have reduced phytoplankton biomass. In constrast to BR, the critical phosphorus loading threshold in FH has probably been approached. Nonetheless, cascading effects were weak due to insufficient reduction of planktivorous cyprinids. Improved water quality was primarily a result of resource-related effects. Thus, the 2 long-term experiments reveal that (1) biomanipulation cannot be applied successfully without reducing nutrient loading below a critical threshold (BR), and (2) for successful biomanipulation, 30–40% piscivores within total fish standing stocks are required (BR and FH). Without optimum piscivory, manual removal of planktivores will hardly produce sustained cascading effects (FH).

Perceived environmental quality and place attachment in North American and European temperate lake districts

Abstract Sense of place, or the meanings and attachments held for settings, continues to emerge as an important factor in environmental management. Previous research in a lake-rich setting in northern Wisconsin, USA, demonstrated that attachment to lakes is based in part on the perceived water quality and perceptions of social conflict. This research explores how these findings are similar or different across sites with very different ecological and social characteristics. To explore these cross-site similarities and differences, a social science survey was implemented in 10 lake districts (total n = 2,278 respondents), including 5 sites in North America and 5 in Europe. These sites share several commonalities: they all lie at fairly similar latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere, and they are all regions relatively rich in lake resources. The results demonstrate the myriad commonalities and contrasts in behaviors, environmental perceptions, and place attachment across sites.