The Limnology and Fishes of Oligotrophic Glacial Lakes in North America (about 1800 A.D.)

Abstract

The general limnology and fish composition of 14 North American oligotrophic lakes is described as it likely was about the year 1800, prior to the adverse effects of man-made eutrophication, exploitation, and introductions of exotic species. The general description includes glacial history and geomorphology, climate and growing season, morphometry of the lake basins, physical and chemical characteristics, macroinvertebrates, and zooplankton. Fish populations are described with respect to their zoogeographic origins and the species composition of each lake. The relative degree of environmental change brought about by the activities of man in each lake is summarized.