The role of Dreissena in lake ecosystems

The influence of filtration of Dreissena on various links of the lacustrine ecosystem is considered. The appearance and intensive development of the mollusk is shown to lead to an increase in water transparency and the area overgrown with macrophytes, to a decrease in the biomass of phyto- and zooplankton, to greater abundance of aboriginal zoobenthos, and to higher fish productivity. The utilization efficiency of primary production by subsequent trophic levels increased. With reference to the lake resources of Belarus factors controlling the Dreissena development are revealed and a potential possibility of the appearance of Dreissena in lakes of the republic is estimated.