Plan of

Lagoon Restoration

in focus

main species

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Scope of the project

Hooded Grebe

Podiceps gallardoi

Scope of the project

Vinegar

Myriophyllum quitense

Scope of the project

The main current threats to these aquatic systems are climate change, especially the decrease in precipitation and the consequent decrease in the level and drought of the lagoons. In addition, the potential resurgence of extensive aquaculture (currently in decline) could increase the number of ponds planted with trout and the consequent deterioration of these aquatic environments. Lastly, the expansion of problematic invasive species (Black-bellied Gull) and invasive species (American Mink) would increase the negative effects on bird communities and could be vectors of diseases.

patagonia in action program

Lines of research

lagoon ecology and management

Responsible

Julio Lancelotti

State

Active

Target

- Generate knowledge about the aquatic ecosystems of the basaltic plateaus, their communities and the biology of key species.
- Identify and study climatic and biological processes that govern these ecosystems.
- Identify and study biotic and abiotic factors that threaten these ecosystems.
- Estimate the diet and trophic role of Hooded Grebe and Rainbow Trout, evaluating potential scenarios of competition and environmental degradation by introductions.
- Generate tools for fisheries management of introduced species.
- Analyze climate patterns in the region and evaluate future climate scenarios.
- Generate and apply aquatic resource management tools, with special focus on the conservation of Hooded Grebe.

methodology

The objectives of our studies are very comprehensive, so they are developed based on collaborations with researchers from several national institutions. Limnological studies are carried out on plankton communities (zoo and phyto), bacteria, nutrient cycles and trophic webs, in relation to the natural diversity of aquatic environments, the presence of introduced species (trout) and climate change. Likewise, lagoons with and without introduced fish (trout) are analyzed comparatively to evaluate the potential effects of introductions on the host communities and their possible consequences on the survival of the grebe tobiano. The studies include the estimation of the diet and trophic role of grebe tobiano and trout through the use of stable isotopes.
In relation to climate, historical series of climatic data are analyzed together with analyses of satellite images of the region, to establish relationships between variations in climate and their effect on the hirdology, aquatic communities and conservation status of the lagoons. Through paleolimnological studies we seek to reconstruct the climate and characteristics of the lagoons in the past. These studies are mainly based on analyzing sediment samples from the lagoons (cores) and comparing the composition of species indicative of past conditions (brackish, with vegetation, etc.).
Species: Rainbow trout, grebe tobiano, Myriophyllum quitense (vinagrilla), bird communities in general, aquatic invertebrate communities.

Scope area

The project covers the entire range of the species in Argentina: the west of Santa Cruz Province from the shores of Lake Buenos Aires to the Turbio River.

partners

- CONICET-UNCOMA, CONICET-UNPSJB, CONICET-UBA, CONICET-UNC. - Ea. Strobel Lake and Lodges Strobel Lake and Jurassic Lake

results and progress

The studies conducted have provided valuable information on aquatic communities, ranging from bacteria to top predators such as fish and birds. These studies have made it possible to analyze trophic webs, nutrient and energy cycles, as well as some effects of trout introductions and climate change on these communities and processes. The results of these investigations have been used in undergraduate theses, doctoral theses and research plans, and have been published in high impact journals. In addition, open access technical reports have been generated.
The information generated has been fundamental as a knowledge base for decision making in management and conservation plans. For example, it has been used to support the removal of trout from environments important for the conservation of Hooded Grebe. Current studies are focused on deepening knowledge about changes in climatic conditions and their impact on aquatic communities, as well as on the availability and quality of lagoons as habitat for Hooded Grebe. Significant progress is being made in paleoecological studies to reconstruct the climatic past of the region. Currently, the most important challenge is to understand the factors affecting the growth and "health" of Vinagrilla(Myriophyllum quitense), the aquatic plant that provides support and building material for the nests of Hooded Grebe.