Melissa Konsti M.S. Student (Dr. Butler) Office: Stevens 233 Phone: (701) 231-6561 Melissa.Konsti@ndsu.nodak.edu B.A. University of St. Thomas, Biology (2004)

Research Interests:

  Shallow Lake Ecology: Lake Christina

     Lake Christina is a shallow waterfowl lake in west-central MN, and recently switched to a turbid algal-dominated state. A biomanipulation was conducted in October 2003 to reduce the number of fish and induce a shift to the clear-water, plant-dominated state. From May through August 2004 we assessed the adult and larval fish response to the biomanipulation using gill nets, trap nets, minnow traps, beach seines, light traps, electrofishing, and larval fish tows. The results showed very low numbers of fish post-treatment. Black bullheads dominated the post-treatment community, with northern pike, carp, and bigmouth buffalo occurring in much lower numbers. However, numbers of carp, pike, and buffalo all increased from May through August. Larval fish sampling showed low reproduction rates throughout the summer for all fish species. Brook sticklebacks, fathead minnows, bluegills, and banded killifish constituted the majority of the smaller fish found in late summer. Overall, our preliminary results indicate the manipulation was successful in dramatically reducing fish abundance in Lake Christina. The community assemblage shifted from a community dominated by benthivores in May to a more diverse community of benthivores, piscivores, and planktivores in August. We will continue to assess fish community succession in 2005 and evaluate its interaction with lake water quality and invertebrate communities.

  Periphyton

     Periphyton is algae that grows on a substrate, and epiphytes are a type of periphyton that particularly grow on plants.  This algae is grazed upon by invertebrates such as snails and insect larvae.  In turn, those grazers are preyed upon by fish.  This trophic cascade is an interest of mine, especially in shallow lake ecosystems. 

Other Interests:

     I enjoy fishing, camping, hiking, hunting, scuba diving, traveling, playing softball, basketball, volleyball, and hockey, going to my families cabin, motorcycle riding, and beach seining for giant logs (see photo below).

Photos from Lake Christina 2004: