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Effects of Bay Shore power plant on ecosystem function in Maumee Bay, western Lake Erie. Feb 23, 2009 Toledo Blade. University-Agency Collaboration. University of Toledo: Christine Mayer: PI, fish entrainment, algal blooms Carol Stepien: fish entrainment genetics - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Effects of Bay Shore power plant on ecosystem function in Maumee Bay, western Lake Erie
Feb 23, 2009 Toledo Blade
University-Agency Collaboration
University of Toledo:Christine Mayer: PI, fish entrainment, algal bloomsCarol Stepien: fish entrainment geneticsThomas Bridgeman: algal blooms
Ohio DNR, Division of WildlifeJeff Tyson: fish entrainment
U.S. Geological SurveyPatrick Kocovsky: fish entrainment
NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research LaboratoryCraig Stow: fish entrainment uncertainty analysis
GoalTo quantify the possible impact of the Bay Shore power plant (Oregon, OH) on ecosystem function of Maumee Bay, in western Lake Erie
Specific Objectives 1.Test whether and to what degree fish entrainment affects important species such as walleye and yellow perch2.Determine whether heated water from the plant promotes the growth and persistence of nuisance algae such as Lyngbya wollei
Bay Shore power plant
water intake
discharge
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.epa.gov/med/research_summaries/images/hoffman_walleye_yolksac.gif
Previous estimates done by FirstEnergy show that ~2 billion larval fish pass through plant screens (entrained) each year.
Includes walleye, freshwater drum, white perch/white bass, and many other species
Fish Entrainment
9 mm walleye
Cause for concern to local environmental groups and fishermen
Regulated by section 316b of Clean Water Act
http://www.toledoblade.com/article/20101120/NEWS16/11190362
Billions of fish lost to Lake Erie populations
Forage fish lost to plant would support more sport fish
Commissioned study showing $30 million dollar annual cost of lost fish
“Environmentalist” view
Larval fish produced in very high numbers, losses to plant not important
Plant has been operating since the 1950s, doesn’t account for recent declines
Altering plant with cooling tower would raise utility rates
Power company view
Approach: Combine net collections for species composition hydro-acoustic visualization for counts
What percent of larval fish exiting the Maumee River during the spring are entrained in the plant?
Hydro-acoustic unit
Echogram showing fish position and size
What percent of larval fish exiting the Maumee River during the spring are entrained in the plant?
Hydro-acoustic and net samples in main river channel and power plant intake canal
Will provide estimate of proportion of larval fish entrained
boat
25m
June 2009
time
In field short time
In field long time
What is the uncertainty in estimates of numbers of larval fish exiting the Maumee River
and how does uncertainty affect estimates of impact to the walleye population?
Numbers of larval fish and river conditions are inherently highly variable
Dynamic Linear Models will be used to estimate the proportion of larval fish entrained under differing sets of conditions
Bayesian statistical framework includes estimates of uncertainty
Helpful in supporting effective management decision-making
??
In 2006 a bluegreen algae, Lyngbya wollei , became established in Maumee Bay forming ~1m thick mats in protected coves
This species, from the southern US, may thrive in conditions near the plant’s warm water discharge that elevates spring water temperature and provides an extended winter ice-free period
Algal Blooms
Ice
Open water
What is the distribution of Lyngbya wollei in relation to the thermal plume and a reference location?
Approach: Collect samples near the power plant and at reference location(s) with rake and dredge
Possible reference location(s)
Early summer Mid-summerRed = Lyngbya absent; Blue = Lyngbya present.
Lyngbya sampling 2009
What are the relationships between biomass of Lyngbya wollei and environmental variables such as temperature,
nutrient availability and substrate type?
Approach: Examine statistical correlations between Lyngbya and data we collect on environmental variables
X1
Y(X
2)
X1
Y(X
2)
positive negative
Mayfly larvae
Lyngbya
Biota may interact with Algae
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