Lake Michigan faces ecological crisis from invasive species and declining native wildlife

During a recent meeting in the Village of Salem Lakes, significant environmental concerns regarding local water bodies were discussed, particularly focusing on the impact of invasive species on aquatic ecosystems. The meeting highlighted alarming trends in Lake Michigan, where the introduction of invasive mussels has drastically altered the native zooplankton and phytoplankton populations, essential food sources for young fish. This disruption is believed to be a contributing factor to the collapse of the perch fishery in the lake.

A key point raised was the concerning increase in Cladophora, a type of algae that has proliferated due to improved water clarity resulting from the mussels' presence. The clarity of the water has improved from typical Secchi readings of 20 feet to over 100 feet, allowing Cladophora to grow deeper than ever before. This growth poses a threat to the overall health of the lake's ecosystem, as it can dominate the shoreline and disrupt the balance of aquatic life.

In addition to the issues in Lake Michigan, the meeting also addressed the spread of starry stonewort, an invasive algae first identified in Wisconsin in 2014. This species has now been found in 51 lakes and rivers across the state, where it outcompetes native aquatic plants and offers no nutritional value to local wildlife. The spread of starry stonewort is particularly concerning as it can be easily transported by small fragments of algae or its bulbils.

The discussions underscored the urgent need for community awareness and action regarding invasive species management. As these environmental challenges continue to escalate, the Village of Salem Lakes is poised to explore strategies to mitigate their impact on local waterways and preserve the health of its aquatic ecosystems. The meeting concluded with a call for ongoing monitoring and collaboration among local stakeholders to address these pressing issues effectively.