Tri Lakes Ecosystem

Introduction: The purpose of this research is to determine whether there has been a change in the overall water quality of the Lake Tarpon Basin, and if so, whether the quality has improved or worsened. The variables that will determine whether the quality has changed are: nutrients (phosphates and nitrates) and dissolved oxygen (DO). The expected changes are lower dissolved oxygen levels (from the already low levels), higher nitrogen levels (from the already high nitrogen levels), and the state qualifications still are not met for nutrients and dissolved oxygen (Levy, Flock, Burnes, Myers, Weed, River 2010). This topic relates to environmental management because the changes in water quality would be due to pollution, which relates to the question “How does human activity lead to the pollution of water stores?” The hypothesis that will be tested is that Lake Tarpon’s water quality will have worsened since the last measurements by Levy, Flock, Burnes, Myers, Weed, and Rivera in 2010.

     Thermal pollution is the final problem that I am going to discuss. Thermal pollution is probably the most over-looked pollution problem. Water is often drawn from sources for the use as a coolant in power plants and factories. The water is usually returned to the source much warmer than when it was taken. Even a small temperature change in the water can make groups of organisms move along to different waters. There can even be death to all organisms

Since the settlement of the Lake Tahoe Basin people have deforested mountain sides, and killed almost all natural life within the waters. Just as the Lake Tahoe area has felt the

More than 24 billion gallons of untreated sewage waste and storm water are pumped into the lakes annually. Pollution is increasing as well, due to the cottage development, where people enjoy spending their summers relaxing. For many years, the lake habitats have been affected by pollution and habitat destruction. The market for fish is tremendous; so much so, that we have depleted our fishing resources, and have had to market on invasive species.

Ecosystems have a way of maintaining themselves under ordinary conditions but when a new factor is added that will most likely threaten the environment action needs to be put forth. Our environment is affected by many pollutants on a daily bases forming a threat to natural stability. For example some of the most polluted parts of the environment are bodies of water like that explained in our lab. Once pollution occurs animals can be affected in many ways even to the brink of death. In the lab the stream is getting pumped with salty potassium filled water that can kill daphnia, habitants of the stream, if the concentration gets too high. To prevent this a

In this research paper I will talk about how a large decrease in the algae population in the Chesapeake Bay will cause problems for not just fish and other species but the people who fish and make a living off of it. A large decrease in algae population will have a domino effect on the food chain. Having a major decrease in algae will hurt how others species live and protect themselves.

Studies have repeatedly shown that as oxygen concentrations decrease, the abundance and diversity of fish decrease (Breitburg). Fish kills, in which large numbers of dead and dying fish float to the surface or wash onto shore, are probably the most dramatic and publicly visible manifestation of hypoxia and nutrient over-enrichment of coastal waters(Breitburg). In addition to mass mortalities that are easily observed, high mortality of fish lacking a swim bladder can occur leaving little or no visible evidence of fish at the surface or littering beaches (Breitburg). With no fish, shrimp, or crabs the Louisiana fishing market takes a huge hit that the economy feels in a major way. The gulf accounts for almost one-fifth of the countries fishing landings, which total to be three billion dollars (Petrolia). Fishing is not only a major part of Louisiana’s economy but also its culture. Without wildlife in our waters microorganism are given more opportunity to grow leading to bacteria infected waters. These bacteria infected waters could cause major health risks for those who come in contact with

An aquatic ecosystem is a vital part of the Earth’s vigorous process and is indispensable for a sustainable Earth and its inhabitants. With aquatic ecosystems we have three different types: 1) Lentic, which is a slow moving body of water such as a pond, lake or pool; 2) Lotic, which is a faster moving body of water such as rivers, streams and oceans; and 3) wetlands, which serve as a filtration system between land and water, cutting down on pollution and providing nutrients to plants and wildlife, as well as a safe haven. Aquatic ecosystems are considered to be nature’s filtration systems and they inhabit living organisms that depend on their viability. Watersheds are a part of an ecosystem, and we depend on these watersheds for water to drink, for the water to evaporate then become precipitation and water the plants, refill the rivers, lakes, and oceans. The Earth’s ecosystems are in great danger if policy, procedures and ways of thinking do not immediately change. We are vital to the survival of ecosystems, and ecosystems are vital for our survival.

Located on the northern side of Dakota County, Sunfish Lake, Minnesota, is a small community that is proud of its legacy. The community treasures its solitude yet understands being apart of the thriving Dakota County. The city is bordered by Highways 110 to the north, 3 to the east, 60th Street West/Peiper Road to the south, and Delaware Avenue to the west. I-494 runs through the city as well.

Lakes: Hickman and Flare: both will continue to stay behind the door per Captain Marquez, were put on secure management by security. Paper work was completed and filed.

Boats are very common on the lake, both for fishing and recreation. The lake is a popular to anglers looking for kokanee salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) and lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush). Other fish like rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) are also abundant in the lake. Mysis shrimp were introduced into the lake many years ago. They have had an impact on the kokanee salmon and will be analyzed in the final paper. The fishing industry provides income for the area, as well as jobs. As of recent, the populations of kokanee salmon and lake trout have been in a decline. The interaction of human management on these fish populations is needed in order to help increase these fish abundance in the lake. This issue is also linked to the management of water in the lake because water levels impact the way that fish species

The exact scenario changes in each example, but the central idea remains that through a chain of interactions, a non-abundant species has an outsized impact on ecosystem functions.

September 2006 South twin lake, a cold blistery day with an intense northwest wind of at-least 30 mph. No place for anyone to be, especially twelve Bowdoin students. As my grandmother was pealing potatoes for dinner she noticed an astonishing sight. Twelve students in six canoes ineffectively attempting to paddle up the lake. It was very obvious they were in trouble and needed assistance. Both of my grandparents enthusiastically signaled them into shore. I watched along side asking an overabundance of questions. My grandmother graciously invited the wet, tired and confused college students into her home. As a timid seven year old, talking to these students seemed like an petrifying task. I observed how they spoke and conducted themselves, educated,

This causes smaller aquatic fish to die off, and this eventually causes bigger aquatic fish who rely on consuming the smaller aquatic fish to die (Jobin, "Dams and Disease"). Before one knows it, a domino effect has occurred. Aquatic ecosystem services are even affected because they die from too many nutrients. Ecosystems can’t thrive without these ecosystem services because they tend the ecosystem such as caring for plants, et cetera (Newell, "The Globalization and Environment Reader").

II. Volcanic lakes are the second type of natural lakes which are formed from volcanic activity.