MSU Scientists Working to Understand Distribution of Michigan’s Native, Invasive Aquatic Plants

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Aquatic plants are a vital component of freshwater environments, providing habitat for fish and delivering a plethora of ecosystem services.

These plants —

known as macrophytes to distinguish them from microscopic plants — live in or near water and can be partially or fully submerged, while growing from the soil or floating.

The distribution and abundance of macrophytes, both native and invasive, is not well-known in Michigan’s inland lakes, which leaves scientists and management professionals seeking to protect these ecosystems at a significant disadvantage.

With funding from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR),

researchers from Michigan State University surveyed 78 lakes in northern Michigan to gain a better understanding of the vegetation within.

The project set the stage for an ongoing follow-up effort funded by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) to explore early detection of invasive macrophytes.

Daniel Hayes,

an MSU AgBioResearch scientist and professor in the MSU Department of Fisheries and Wildlife (FW), led the MDNR project, while Jo Latimore, an aquatic ecologist and outreach specialist in FW, heads up the EGLE work. Although they each led one of the projects, Hayes and Latimore have actively participated in both efforts.

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Michigan State University AgBioResearch scientists discover dynamic solutions for food systems and the environment. More than 300 MSU faculty conduct leading-edge research on a variety of topics, from health and climate to agriculture and natural resources. Originally formed in 1888 as the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, MSU AgBioResearch oversees numerous on-campus research facilities, as well as 15 outlying centers throughout Michigan.

To learn more, visit agbioresearch.msu.edu.

Contact: Cameron Rudolph, MSU AgBioResearch Communications, rudolp31@msu.edu