Threats and stressors to the health of the ecosystems of Lakes Mead and Mohave: Chapter 6 in <i>A synthesis of aquatic science for management of Lakes Mead and Mohave</i>

Rosen, Michael R.; Goodbred, Steven L.; Wong, Wai Hing; Patiño, Reynaldo; Turner, Kent; Palmer, Craig J.; Roefer, Peggy

Abstract:

Ecosystem impacts from visitor activities or natural environmental change are important concerns in all units of the National Park system. Possible impacts to aquatic ecosystems at Lake Mead National Recreation Area (LMNRA) are of particular concern because of the designation of Lakes Mead and Mohave as critical habitat for the federally listed endangered razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus), the significance of the sport fishery, and the regional importance of its habitats to more than 90 documented species of waterbirds. Potential threats to shoreline habitats are of concern not only for their ecosystem values but also for maintaining the recreational setting. Many areas adjacent to the shorelines of Lakes Mead and Mohave are designated wilderness areas. For purposes of this document, stressors are any chemical, biological, or physical agent that has a detrimental effect on aquatic ecosystems at the organism, population, or community level. Human-made stressors at Lakes Mead and Mohave include direct effects of recreation on the lakes, like boating and fishing, as well as indirect effects of activities away from the lakes, such as growing population and increasing urbanization. Common natural environmental stressors include extended changes in climate (precipitation or temperature), or the erosion, transport, and loading of chemical constituents in rocks and sediments to aquatic environments. Human activity also can exacerbate natural stressors in a variety of ways.

Genre:

USGS Numbered Series

ProdID:

70042987

Citation Author:

Rosen, Michael R.; Goodbred, Steven L.; Wong, Wai Hing; Patiño, Reynaldo ; Turner, Kent ; Palmer, Craig J.; Roefer, Peggy

Citation Contributing Office:

Nevada Water Science Center

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Citation End Page:

138

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Citation Keywords:

Citation Language:

English

Citation Larger Work Title:

A synthesis of aquatic science for management of Lakes Mead and Mohave (CIR 1381)

Citation LatN:

36.59

Citation LatS:

35.17

Citation LonE:

-113.14

Citation LonW:

-114.92

Citation Month:

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Citation Phsyical Description:

34 p.

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Citation Public Comments:

This report is Chapter 6 in A synthesis of aquatic science for management of Lakes Mead and Mohave. For more information, see: Circular 1381

Citation Publisher:

U.S. Geological Survey

Citation Series:

Circular

Citation Series Code:

CIR

Citation Series Number:

1381-6

Citation Search Results Text:

Threats and stressors to the health of the ecosystems of Lakes Mead and Mohave: Chapter 6 in A synthesis of aquatic science for management of Lakes Mead and Mohave; 2012; CIR; 1381-6; USGS Unnumbered Series; A synthesis of aquatic science for management of Lakes Mead and Mohave (CIR 1381); Rosen, Michael R.; Goodbred, Steven L.; Wong, Wai Hing; Patiño, Reynaldo ; Turner, Kent ; Palmer, Craig J.; Roefer, Peggy