Research in the Vander Zanden lab
The Vander Zanden lab is broadly interested in the ecology, threats, and management of freshwater systems. Below are several major research themes. We employ a wide range of approaches to address these questions, including long-term studies, whole-lake experiments, empirical observations, stable isotope analysis, and statistical and simulation modeling.
Aquatic invasive species
Much of the current work in the Vander Zanden lab examines the spread, abundance, and impacts of invasive species in lakes and streams. For more information, see our AIS page. Invasive species are widely recognized as a leading threat to aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems, and are among the most irreversible of human impacts on the environment. With so many lakes and streams, how can managers focus efforts so as to be maximally effective? We have recently developed a ‘smart prevention’ framework which forecasts invasive species spread and identifies systems that are most vulnerable. We also study the abundance and impacts of invasive species. Invasive species abundance varies widely from place to place, which may translate to spatially variable ecological and economic impacts. Two whole-lake experiments have provided unique insights into the role of aquatic invasive species in lake food webs. Long-term removal of rusty crayfish from Sparkling Lake WI allowed recovery of native biota. We recently destratified Crystal Lake WI in an attempt to extirpate invasive rainbow smelt, and are examining ecosystem-consequences of invasive species removal. Much of this work is carried out in conjunction with NTL-LTER.
Benthic processes in lakes
We work on nearshore habitats and benthic production and processes in lakes. Work in collaboration with Yvonne Vadeboncoeur (Wright State), Sudeep Chandra (UNR) Pete McIntyre (UW-Madison), and Scott Higgins (ELA) is examining the role of benthic primary production in lakes, links to higher trophic levels, and the broader implications of benthic energy flow for lake food webs. We also work on the role of benthic production in linking aquatic and terrestrial food webs - much of this work has been done in collaboration with Claudio Gratton (UW-Madison) at Lake Myvatn, Iceland.
Food webs, fisheries, and restoration
We have an ongoing project examining declines in walleye populations in Wisconsin, and are examining several hypotheses regarding the drivers - harvest, climate change, species interactions, or some combination of these factors. Much of this work involves examining food web interactions, as food web changes can become barriers to fisheries recovery. Related projects involve conducting stable isotope analysis on museum specimens to reconstruct long-term food web change, and assess how this might inform restoration potential of lake ecosystems.
Aquatic invasive species
Much of the current work in the Vander Zanden lab examines the spread, abundance, and impacts of invasive species in lakes and streams. For more information, see our AIS page. Invasive species are widely recognized as a leading threat to aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems, and are among the most irreversible of human impacts on the environment. With so many lakes and streams, how can managers focus efforts so as to be maximally effective? We have recently developed a ‘smart prevention’ framework which forecasts invasive species spread and identifies systems that are most vulnerable. We also study the abundance and impacts of invasive species. Invasive species abundance varies widely from place to place, which may translate to spatially variable ecological and economic impacts. Two whole-lake experiments have provided unique insights into the role of aquatic invasive species in lake food webs. Long-term removal of rusty crayfish from Sparkling Lake WI allowed recovery of native biota. We recently destratified Crystal Lake WI in an attempt to extirpate invasive rainbow smelt, and are examining ecosystem-consequences of invasive species removal. Much of this work is carried out in conjunction with NTL-LTER.
Benthic processes in lakes
We work on nearshore habitats and benthic production and processes in lakes. Work in collaboration with Yvonne Vadeboncoeur (Wright State), Sudeep Chandra (UNR) Pete McIntyre (UW-Madison), and Scott Higgins (ELA) is examining the role of benthic primary production in lakes, links to higher trophic levels, and the broader implications of benthic energy flow for lake food webs. We also work on the role of benthic production in linking aquatic and terrestrial food webs - much of this work has been done in collaboration with Claudio Gratton (UW-Madison) at Lake Myvatn, Iceland.
Food webs, fisheries, and restoration
We have an ongoing project examining declines in walleye populations in Wisconsin, and are examining several hypotheses regarding the drivers - harvest, climate change, species interactions, or some combination of these factors. Much of this work involves examining food web interactions, as food web changes can become barriers to fisheries recovery. Related projects involve conducting stable isotope analysis on museum specimens to reconstruct long-term food web change, and assess how this might inform restoration potential of lake ecosystems.
Some past projects:
Wisconsin Buffer Initiative
The Vander Zanden lab was a partner in the Wisconsin Buffer Initiative. Our research objectives were to provide a better understanding of the spatial and temporal variability in agricultural non-point source pollution, and to make science-based recommendations to the Wisconsin DNR to better target agricultural pollution policies and reduction efforts.
Taimen conservation in Mongolia
We spent five years studying the ecology and conservation of the giant Asian trout, Hucho taimen, in Mongolia. Our five year study assessed population status, migrations, threats, and the role of taimen in the broader ecosystem, and was the most extensive study of Hucho taimen conducted to date. We worked closely with private outfitters, local NGOs, and local communities to help develop a natural resource management plan for the region.
Wisconsin Buffer Initiative
The Vander Zanden lab was a partner in the Wisconsin Buffer Initiative. Our research objectives were to provide a better understanding of the spatial and temporal variability in agricultural non-point source pollution, and to make science-based recommendations to the Wisconsin DNR to better target agricultural pollution policies and reduction efforts.
Taimen conservation in Mongolia
We spent five years studying the ecology and conservation of the giant Asian trout, Hucho taimen, in Mongolia. Our five year study assessed population status, migrations, threats, and the role of taimen in the broader ecosystem, and was the most extensive study of Hucho taimen conducted to date. We worked closely with private outfitters, local NGOs, and local communities to help develop a natural resource management plan for the region.