AQUATIC MACROPHYTES AND ALGAE AT OLD WOMAN CREEK ESTUARY AND OTHER GREAT-LAKES COASTAL WETLANDS

Studies on aquatic macrophyte and algal floras of Old Woman Creek estuary (OWC) are examined in light of work conducted in other Great Lakes coastal wetlands. Since the last detailed inventory of aquatic macrophytes at OWC in 1973, many emergent and floating leaved species have become very restricted in their distribution, or have disappeared altogether. Possible causes for this vegetation shift are discussed. The algal flora of OWC is distinct from that in adjacent Lake Erie. Storm events are proposed to be a major factor in regulating phytoplankton species composition and dynamics in OWC. Primary productivity in OWC appears to be dominated by the algal communities rather than by macrophytes. The botanical research on Great Lakes coastal wetlands conducted to date has provided only cursory insights into these complex and dynamic communities. Knowledge of factors regulating these communities along with the roles these communities play in coastal-wetland dynamics is needed. The impact of changing watershed use patterns on these wetland communities has not yet been determined. Finally, symbiotic and competitive interactions between the macrophyte and algal communities need to be elucidated.