Habitat context mediates macroinvertebrate responses to Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) shell deposits | Freshwater Science Abstract The Zebra Mussel Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas, 1771) has invaded surface waters throughout North America, and it alters benthic habitats by depositing dense layers of shells. Although these shell deposits can increase habitat complexity in some systems, they may also lead to habitat homogenization, particularly in streams with coarse substrates. We sought to understand how these shell deposits may affect macroinvertebrate assemblages in the Rouge and Huron watersheds (Michigan, USA; August 2017). We examined whether shell deposit density is related to macroinvertebrate community diversity and relative abundance and if those relationships might differ between rural and urban streams, noting changes in taxa sensitive to habitat structure, such as Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera (mayflies and caddisflies). In one rural stream, the % abundance of specific mayfly and caddisfly families decreased with increasing shell density, suggesting a localized negative response to shell-induced substrate changes. However, this pattern was not consistently observed across other rural streams, indicating that site-specific factors may mediate these effects. Regardless, shell deposits in urban streams, where baseline habitat complexity is often low, may offer structural refuge and benefit specific invertebrate taxa. Our findings highlight the context-dependent nature of Zebra Mussel relationships with stream invertebrate community metrics and suggest that the ecological consequences of shell deposits may vary with stream habitat characteristics.

The impacts of environmental stressors are often complex. Newly published research demonstrates how dead invasive mussel shells can differentially affect urban & rural stream communities. This work highlights the importance of context in understanding ecological responses to biological invasions.

Excited to share our new paper on science communication! What began as a cross-border weekly seminar with @CatherineM.Febria and an incredible interdisciplinary team evolved into a research-backed framework for effective collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Man sitting on the bank of a stream with a fish in his hand- he looks happy.

How do harmful algal blooms reshape the Lake Erie ecosystem?

Join us Wed 3/18 for @fishsciencedude.bsky.social dissertation presentation on how Microcystis blooms affect walleye reproduction, amphibian development, and fish communities.

See flyer for details!
#LakeErie #HABs #FreshwaterScience 🐟🌱

I get great joy and giddy when I learn my students gets their first first author publication accepted - and dying for them to see their email or text about it @benthicbuddy.bsky.social !!!!! Dude- you’re killing me.

Making aquatic sciences more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible: Perspectives on how individuals can take action in their professional practice Achieving Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) in the aquatic sciences has been a chronic challenge, and while recent progress has b…

Congratulations to @fishsciencedude.bsky.social and fellow co-authors for an important new article on advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility in aquatic sciences.

www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
@iaglr.bsky.social @waynestateresearch.bsky.social

Our UROP student teamed up with the Detroit Zoo to bring Belle Isle mudpuppy research to life! She used GIS & monitoring data to create educational materials for visitors. Her poster is on display in the Amphibian House & was featured at Mudpuppy Palooza! @waynestateresearch.bsky.social

Drone Systems and Applications announces new Double anonymous peer-review social card.

@dsajournal.bsky.social is piloting double-anonymous peer review! Reducing #bias in #academicpublishing starts with rethinking the process.

Learn more ▶️ buff.ly/zXQk2s3

#DoubleBlindReview #EquityInScience #AcademicSky #SciComm 🧪 #AcWri #PHDSky #ScholComms #OpenScience #SciPol #PeerReview

Come see his talk @iaglr.bsky.social 11:20 Friday room N206A

More exciting lab news from the @iaglr.bsky.social conference. @hjesparra91.bsky.social
received the Student Presenter IDEA+ Award for his impactful research on how road salt affects freshwater systems. Critical work for the health of our lakes! 👏 @waynestateresearch.bsky.social

I agree- meanwhile, US federal regulations are not trending in that direction-from what I am hearing.

Michigan issues hundreds of new warnings about pollution in fish After reviewing the latest research, health officials realized a common pollutant is more toxic than they knew.

Michigan is using the latest science to update PFAS fish advisories, crucial for Great Lakes communities.
@waynestateclas.bsky.social PhD student Brittanie Dabney spoke to @detroitnews.bsky.social on the risks. At @iaglr.bsky.social ? Don’t miss PFAS sessions today to learn the latest on PFAS!

It takes a village! Thanks- see you at @iaglr.bsky.social!

Good news for the Great Lakes! A new presidential directive will help fight invasive species, specifically highlighting GLANSIS, a project @waynestateclas.bsky.social stduents are helping @miseagrant.bsky.social with. We’ll present this work at @iaglr.bsky.social Persistent advocacy made this happen

Opinion — Grieving my future in biology At home, I have a wooden plaque on my wall that lists all the national parks I’ve been to. Next to it, there’s a bag of small painted trees meant to represent the ones I’ve yet to visit. Only eight of...

Sharing an opinion piece by my college age daughter: thenorthwindonline.com/3903893/opin...

New deadline: April 11! The John R. (Jack) Vallentyne Award recognizes important and sustained efforts to inform and educate the public and policymakers on large lakes issues. Nomination information and portal: bit.ly/46sq5yC #GreatLakesSci #Scicomm

Female student with a Wayne State University hoodie on with a surprised look on her face while a Sea Lamprey attaches to her hand

Boy with a Sea Lamprey attached to his hand- kind of an inquisitive look on his face

Close up view of a Sea Lamprey mouth

A group of students gathered around an instructor who is holding a Sea Lamprey. They all look happy.

After a heavy few months, it felt refreshing to host the
Great Lakes Commission today, who shared insights about invasive Sea Lamprey and their bi-national role in protecting the Great Lakes and fisheries. 🌎🐟

The students were thrilled to get hands-on with the lamprey and everyone was smiling.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about conservation efforts in our shared waters! The @pitcherlab.bsky.social will be discussing bi-national efforts to reintroduce imperiled aquatic species in the Great Lakes @waynestateclas.bsky.social Zoom link: wayne-edu.zoom.us/j/9804301269...

Great Lakes Science in Crisis Unsalted Great Lakes · Episode

Please listen to this interview with my boss @freshwater.bsky.social on current state of affairs & the #GreatLakes, including the chilling effect on Great Lakes research and management, concerns over international treaties, diversions, and more.
open.spotify.com/episode/1ULa...

Ok, I made a new starter pack: Science Job Accounts! I want to try & collect together account that are likely to post jobs/internships/employment opportunities in science. It is heavily US/Ecology based (and would probably be better as a feed). Please suggest other accounts!! go.bsky.app/QPGnfWu

Thanks all- I needed to hear this

Always have your windshield wiper fluid filled- only with windshield wiper solution.

@fishsciencedude.bsky.social has entered the room!

Photographer of the cover of Cabela’s catalog featuring Ali Shakoor holding a fish

As we wait for Ali Shakoor to come on over to Bluesky- I will share his latest non-science activity. Science wise- Ali studies the impacts of harmful algal blooms on larval fish movement- when not a being coveted by the likes of Cabela’s the Discovery channel and Bass pro.

As an ecotoxicologist I've thought about this often - extending into human and ecological health. I had never seen this quote by Leopold, or I missed "seeing" it when reading his books. He has always been one of my favorite humans to ever live. This hit hard today. Thanks @grantshat.bsky.social

Would love to be included.

Flier with a picture of a large lake and lighthouse that is advertising a session at the IAGLR conference on Freshwater Salinization in Great Lakes. The image includes a QR code for more information

We are thrilled to share our special session for the 2025
@iaglr.bsky.social annual meeting. It will feature presentations on the latest research concerning the impacts of salinization on Great Lakes ecosystems. Abstract submissions are due by 12/16! 🌊#saltyH2OIAGLR

We're looking for participants for an ACCESS+ research study about member perspectives on STEM professional society culture. Includes a drawing for $250 Amazon gift cards. Participants must be a member of one of the ACCESS+ STEM societies, including IAGLR. bit.ly/4fxIFsG

Job advertisement for a tenure-tract assistant professor faculty position in Environmental Science and Geology. candidates with expertise in hydrology (including surface water hydrology, hydrogeology, and ecohydrology), climate science, urban waters, or related fields, but welcome qualified applicants in other fields of environmental and earth science. A successful candidate will have a PhD in their field, effective communication and teaching skills, and a record of scholarship that indicates that they will establish an internationally recognized, externally funded research program. They will also be positioned to complement existing departmental and program strengths in environmental geochemistry, aquatic and terrestrial ecology, population ecology, tectonics, and geophysics and contribute to our vibrant undergraduate and masters programs. Preference is placed on candidates doing quantitative and/or interdisciplinary research. Please submit your application materials at jobs.wayne.edu (job posting number req2374).The application materials include: i) a cover letter; ii) complete curriculum vitae; iii) a statement about teaching describing prior experience, teaching philosophy and the list of courses the candidate want to teach or develop; iv) a statement of research describing past scholarly contributions and future research directions; v) a statement describing experience and vision for enhancing participation of underrepresented groups in environmental science and geology; and vi) names and contact information for at least 3 references. The review of applications will begin on December 15, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled. For additional information contact the Search Committee Chair, Scott Burdick, by email at sburdick@wayne.edu.

Tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Environmental Science and Geology with expertise in hydrology (including surface water hydrology, and ecohydrology), climate science, urban waters, or related fields. waynetalent.csod.com/ux/ats/caree...

Follow my friends and colleagues at Michigan Sea Grant for great research on the #GreatLakes!

This conversation still 100% classier than anything on Twitter right now. And can I put in a plug in for Cormorant defense mechanism of puking regurgitated fish guts on you when sampling their nest- It's pretty bad...