Contrasting energy pathways suggest differing susceptibility of pelagic fishes to an invasive ecosystem engineer in a large lake system

Species invasions can lead to ecological regime shifts by altering food web structure and changing nutrient cycling. Stable isotopes are a powerful tool understand the potential realized impacts of invasive species on webs, especially when used in tandem with other dietary tracers. An invasion one most notorious freshwater invaders North America, quagga mussel ( Dreissena bugensis ), is imminent Lake Champlain, United States. this filter feeder has drastically alter energy pathways destabilize pelagic fisheries via bottom-up impacts. However, extent magnitude these depend current mid-trophic web, which was previously not well described. We Bayesian stable isotope mixing models informed stomach content analysis identify currently important level fishes. determined that Main basin, spring phytoplankton bloom deep chlorophyll layer – resources vulnerable mussels provide disproportionate amount support zooplankton migrating macroinvertebrate Mysis . The Northeast Arm Champlain supported epilimnetic phytoplankton, more protected from filtration effects than layer. will likely high-quality foraging refuge coldwater fish due unfavorable oxythermal conditions. Champlain—and consequently piscivores who rely prey—may be impending if migratory able shift their diet benthic resources.