Investigating biological productivity in Vitus Lake, Bering Glacier, Alaska

The fresh water from melting glaciers gradually collects in lake systems; however, global warming accelerates this input. How does vigorous melt influx impact biological systems within the fresh-water lake environment? A freshman biology student assisted in this research experience. Using benthic grab samplers and seines, macroinvertebrates and fish were collected from nearshore areas of Vitus Lake, Bering Glacier, Alaska. Water <1 m near the southern shoreline proved to be important habitat for several fish species and benthic invertebrates consumed by those fish. This nearshore zone of productivity may be important nursery areas for several species of fish, and these fish in turn may be important to nesting and migrating waterfowl.