Potential Inland
Distribution of Invasive Species
in the Lake Michigan Basin
Abstract | Introduction | Data and Methods | Results | Discussion | Contact
Results
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The potential inland distributions for sea lampreys, zebra mussels, and quagga mussels in the Lake Michigan Basin were mapped. The areas where the potential distributions of multiple species were found to overlap were determined since they will have different implications for the natural communities.
For the entire Lake Michigan Basin, the total tributary length that serves as potential dispersal sites for the invasive species are as follows:
Total tributary length
(km) 2 < 1 39 238
The three invasive species' current distribution points were also mapped by county. Values are in [#of invasive species points / area (km2)].
Maps were created to show how the invasive species' potential habitats are distributed by county. Colours represent what percent of the total potential habitat is within each county. Darker counties have a higher percent of the potential habitat within their borders.
Counties with the most zebra mussel only potential habitat occur in the northwest portion of the basin, split between Wisconsin and Michigan. However, most couties have values above 0%, meaning there is some risk of zebra mussel dispersal. Counties with the highest percentages of zebra mussel & sea lamprey potential habitat occur along the coast of Lake Michigan, mostly within Michigan. Most counties within the basin have none of the identified potential habitat. Overlap of the zebra mussel & quagga mussel potential habitat only occurs in a single county within Indiana. Potential habitat that overlaps for all three species occurs along the southern portion of the coastline within Michigan. Other areas do not contain any of this type of potential habitat. |
