Invasive species

Lower Columbia River Reed Canarygrass Macroinvertebrate and Macrodetritus Production Study

Reed Canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) is a dominant invasive plant species found in emergent wetland habitats throughout the lower Columbia River. Previous observations in the lower river indicate that the presence of P. arundinacea may decrease plant species diversity and affect aquatic food web function; however, the extent of these ecological effects is unknown. Juvenile salmon utilize emergent wetland habitats for foraging and refuge during outmigration.

Zooplankton invasion on a grand scale: insights from a 20-yr time series across 38 Northeast Pacific estuaries

Abstract   We present the first comprehensive analysis of the Pacific Northwest estuaries (PNWE) zooplankton time series, which encompasses 38 estuaries distributed across more than 1000 km of the North American Pacific Coast. With observations spanning more than 20 yr, we here examine biogeographic trends among zooplankton communities, patterns of biological invasion across the region, and environmental correlates with dominant native and invasive taxa.

Zooplankton invasions in the early 21st century: a global survey of recent studies and recommendations for future research

Abstract We present a comprehensive survey of the scientific literature pertaining to non-indigenous and invasive zooplankton published across the first decades of the twenty-first century (i.e., 2000–2018). We provide a concise summary of the manner in which the scientific community has allocated its efforts to this issue in recent decades, and to illuminate trends that emerge from the literature.

Feeding rates and prey selection of the invasive Asian clam, Corbicula fluminea, on microplankton in the Columbia River, USA

Abstract   The Asian clam, Corbicula fluminea, was introduced into North America in the 1920s—first observed in the Columbia River—and has expanded its range across the continent and into South America and Europe, yet little is known about its ecology and potential to impact food webs. To evaluate prey selectivity and feeding rates of C. fluminea, we conducted laboratory feeding experiments using water from two distinct Columbia River environments (unimpounded river and reservoir) during July and October 2016.