Evaluating round goby’s use of Lake Erie’s tributaries using otolith elemental analysis

Abstract:

Non-native, invasive species introduced into native habitats can adversely affect native organisms through competition for resources. Round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) were introduced to Lake Erie in 1993 and have since become well established within this habitat. Round goby have recently spread into the tributaries connected to Lake Erie, but little is known about the permanence with which goby utilize these areas. The objective of the current study is to utilize elemental analysis of round goby otoliths, calcified structures located in the brain cavity of fish, to examine how these fish utilize tributaries of Lake Erie in Pennsylvania. Round goby were collected from various locations within Lake Erie and its tributaries, including Fourmile Creek, Sixteenmile Creek, Elk Creek, Walnut Creek, and Trout Run. Otoliths were extracted and acid digested for elemental analysis via an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Otoliths accumulate elements, such as strontium, barium, zinc, and manganese, in ratios that reflect the waters in which they live. Comparisons of otolith elemental composition between round goby of different tributaries and locations within Lake Erie will provide evidence of round goby habitat use. Results of elemental analysis and comparisons will be presented at the Sigma Xi conference on April 22, 2023. A better understanding of how round goby utilize Lake Erie’s tributaries will provide insight into how this species is spreading into new habitats, the threats posed to native species living in these areas, and inform management strategies related to the control of round goby within the Lake Erie watershed.