Decline of young-of-year walleye (Sander vitreus) growth due to Bythotrephes impacts predicted from bioenergetic principles

Invasive species are a major threat to ecosystem structure and function. For example, Bythotrephes cederströmii (Bythotrephes hereafter) invasions have significantly reduced native zooplankton density biomass, resulting in competitive interactions with zooplanktivorous fishes. Young of year (YOY) walleye (Sander vitreus) initially recently been shown display growth Bythotrephes-invaded lakes. Here, we combined bioenergetics model for larval changes the community following invasion predicted presence Bythotrephes, supporting field observations. The greater negative impacts on oligotrophic compared mesotrophic lakes, though was only significant under conditions. Under invasion, net energy available over simulated period often observed be (indicating mass loss). These results from suggest that could potentially lead recruitment failure, especially low nutrient environments. This result insensitive differences annual mean water temperatures ranging 18.5 23.5 °C. As YOY growth, survival, ultimately linked adult abundance sustainability managed stocks, our highlight potential populations boreal