Relationships between fish feeding guild and trophic structure in English lowland shallow lakes subject to anthropogenic influence: implications for lake restoration

摘要: The shallow lakes of Eastern England have been subject to intense anthropogenic pressures including nutrient enrichment and fish stocking. We sought determine the relationships between community structure other ecosystem characteristics in 28 these through classification species into piscivorous, zooplanktivorous benthivorous feeding guilds according literature. Canonical correspondence analysis produced clear associations that generally agreed with theoretical (e.g. alternative stable states hypothesis) empirical studies, but some important differences. There was a striking lack nutrients variables, indicating importance top-down rather than bottom-up processes as structuring force eutrophic study lakes. presence submerged (and shoreline) vegetation associated diverse assemblage apparently co-existing piscivorous (principally pike Esox lucius) species. Perch Perca fluviatilis, significant predator unimportant argued be limited by water quality extremely In contrast, guild carp Cyprinus carpio, bream Abramis brama tench Tinca tinca) essentially represented inverse potential pelagic piscivores/zooplanktivores vegetation. introduction large benthivores many could precipitated loss direct uprooting during foraging, effect simplifying being most acute where littoral factors. It is implied attempts promote or restore would best target