Date Completed
Spring 2026
Abstract
This research contributes to our understanding of how plankton communities shift over seasonal cycles and how invasive species can influence freshwater plankton dynamics and overall lake ecosystem function. As the first year that the Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance conducted plankton monitoring in the “Broads,” this work also provides an important baseline for future long-term monitoring efforts.
Seasonal succession generally followed expected patterns, indicating good water quality consistent with a low-productivity system. However, the absence of Daphnia and other cladocerans after mid-June raises concern and may be linked to the invasive spiny water flea. This is significant because Daphnia are key grazers that help regulate phytoplankton biomass, including algae and cyanobacteria, while also serving as an important food source for organisms such as rainbow smelt. Their absence could create cascading effects throughout the lake food web, ultimately impacting long-term ecosystem health and water quality.
Document Type
Presentation
First Advisor
Amanda McQuaid
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Department or Program
MEFB
Recommended Citation
Urlage, Jessica, "The Seasonal Succession of Plankton Communities in the Broads of Lake Winnipesaukee. The Importance of Continued Monitoring in the Wake of the Invasion of Bythotrephes longimanus." (2026). UNH URC Open (2026 and after). 12.
https://scholars.unh.edu/urc_open/12