| The purpose of this study was to determine direct and indirect effects of carp on water quality, invertebrate and macrophyte abundance, and to determine mechanisms by which freshwater macrophytes persist with carp in Utah Lake. We integrate results from small- and large-scale field studies, experimental ponds, laboratory analyses and feeding assays. Using small-scale enclosures, we found a significant decrease in macrophyte abundance, changes in species composition, and decreased abundance and diversity of invertebrates in treatments with carp. Large-scale exclosures which excluded carp from existing macrophytes, had significantly higher total stem length without carp. Our pond experiment indicates that carp negatively affect plant abundance, and can indirectly alter water quality and nutrient cycling. Laboratory analysis and feeding assays show carp use multiple factors to select for plant consumption. Combining this information from field and laboratory experiments, I have determined which macrophytes have the greatest potential for restoration in Utah Lake. |
