- Environmental Challenges
- Where We Are At
- Restrictions On Fish And Wildlife Consumption
- Degradation Of Fish And Wildlife Populations
- Fish Tumours And Other Deformities
- Degradation Of Benthos
- Restrictions On Dredging Activities
- Eutrophication And Undesirable Algae
- Restrictions On Drinking Water Or Taste And Odour Problems
- Beach Closures
- Degradation Of Aesthetics
- Degradation Of Phytoplankton And Zooplankton Populations
- Loss Of Fish And Wildlife Habitat
BUI #13 - Degradation of phytoplankton and zooplankton populations
Status – Final report in editing phase
Phytoplankton and zooplankton are the microscopic plants and animals that are at the base of the food web.
In the Bay of Quinte, phytoplankton and zooplankton species composition has changed over the years, because of reductions in phosphorus inputs and the introduction of invasive species. The food web has adapted and diversified to compensate for these changes.
Currently, the RAP team is developing a Phosphorus Management Strategy. Studies are being conducted to evaluate how varying reductions in phosphorus levels, recommended in the strategy, will affect the phyto and zooplankton populations in the Bay.
Criteria and Supporting Evidence
- Numerical targets for the Eutrophication or Undesirable Algae beneficial use impairment are met and associated remedial actions are complete.
- A Phosphorus Management Plan and associated long-term monitoring plan are developed which will track recovery of the food web, including:
- improved composition of phytoplankton community away from filamentous forms
- reduced bacterial plankton; and
- improved trophic transfer through the zooplankton community