Non-Native sportfish in Glacial Lakes

Date Range

1910 – 1971

Title

Non-Native sportfish in Glacial Lakes

What occurred

The introduction of non-native fish for recreational angling to the lakes in Glacier National Park has been one of the most important players into the degredation of the glacial waterways. In the early 1900's, lake trout aka Mackinaw were introduced into lakes along the Continental Divide. Introduced fish bring new diseases, alter the composition of plankton communities, interrupt food web dynamics, and prey on native fish. Research has shown that changes in zooplankton communities generally occur when fish are introduced into previously fishless waters. Non-native Lake trout pose a grave threat to native species in several park lakes as well as change the water composition of these previously untouched glacial water pools. There are still a few pristine lakes and streams in the park that remain strongholds for genetically untainted native fish species. Humans could not resist the potential revenue gain from adding these fish for sport and this had dramatically altered the natural ecosystem of such a wonderful place.

Location

Glacier National Park

Image Citation

Me! thats my brother

Student name(s)

Kate Osterholtz