This project examines the role of exotic invertebrates in Lake Erie benthos that increased dramatically during last decades. Our 2009 benthic survey of Lake Erie has shown that benthic invaders currently constitute 40% of total benthic density, and over 95% of the total wet biomass. Benthic community structure and dominance has changed significantly since 1979, and the community is currently dominated by exotic species, resulting in dramatic changes in the food web dynamics of the whole lake. (2009)
