PI: Michael Meyer (U.S. Geological Survey), Co-PIs: Stephanie Figary (University of Vermont), Rachel Pilla (Oak Ridge National Laboratory), Jason Stockwell (University of Vermont), Celia Symons (University of California, Irvine)

Lakes provide critical ecosystem services that are under threat from global environmental change. However, these freshwater ecosystems are underrepresented in biodiversity research relative to marine and terrestrial environments, despite the recognized worldwide biodiversity crisis in freshwater. Zooplankton are microscopic aquatic animals that serve as important metrics of biodiversity in lakes because they are critical food for young fish and consumers of algae. When changing zooplankton diversity alters these ecosystem functions, algae can grow to excess and lead to harmful algae blooms that negatively influence human health, tourism, and property values. We have developed the largest dataset of freshwater zooplankton biodiversity in the world, and will use it to examine how zooplankton assemblages have responded to a changing climate and how such changes are likely to impact lake water quality and ecosystem function. Our dataset contains > 60,000 samples from 289 lakes (34 countries, 6 continents) , with data up to 60 years ago. Drawing from our group’s diverse backgrounds and expertise, we will synthesize zooplankton biodiversity change worldwide and share our results and data.