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Cited by 2Fish Ecology and Management StudiesAquatic Ecosystems and Phytoplankton DynamicsFish Biology and Ecology Studies

Assessment of the Onondaga Lake, New York, fish community following reductions of nutrient inputs from a wastewater treatment plant

Open access
Murphy, Margaret H., Gandino, Christopher J., Ringler, Neil H., Kirby, Lucas, Johnson, Stephanie, Smith, Matthew, Schroeder, Suzannah·2015·Lake and Reservoir Management
DOI 10.1080/10402381.2015.1093569
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Abstract

Murphy MH, Gandino CJ, Ringler NH, Kirby L, Johnson S, Smith M, Schroeder S. 2015. Assessment of the Onondaga Lake, New York, fish community following reductions of nutrient inputs from a wastewater treatment plant. Lake Reserv Manage. 31:347–358.Fish surveys have been periodically conducted on Onondaga Lake since 1927; more intensive surveys began in 1989 by the State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and have continued annually. Recent efforts (2000–2012) by the Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection documented the fish community prior to and following (post-2005) major reductions in nutrient loading to Onondaga Lake from the wastewater treatment facility in Syracuse, New York. These upgrades have had dramatic effects on the lake fish community; adult species richness has increased from 13 species recorded in 1946 to more than 40 species documented annually since 2008 and more than 50 species documented since 2000. Adult species diversity has varied since 2000, with increasing dominance by largemouth bass, yellow perch, and brown bullhead. Adult fish diversity was significantly higher following wastewater treatment plant upgrades in 2004 and 2005 (F1,18 = 5.26, P = 0.03). Dramatic increases in macrophyte coverage and dreissenid mussel densities also have been documented. Rarefaction analysis was conducted to standardize survey results by computing expected species richness values from 2000 to 2012 as well as relative to 1946. Expected species richness was not statistically significant following upgrades compared to prior (F1,23 = 3.81; P = 0.075). Linear regression of expected species richness showed a significant increasing trend for the 2002–2012 gillnet data (ES52 = 0.391*YEAR + 67.66, r2 = 0.59, P < 0.006) and the 1946–2012 trap net data (ES164 = 0.203*YEAR + 4.44, r2 = 0.81, P < 0.005). The Onondaga Lake fish community is still adapting to the various water quality changes, and continued monitoring is necessary to understand the trophic structure of the lake and how this may affect sportfishing opportunities in the future.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

Fish surveys on Onondaga Lake from 2000–2012 show that reductions in wastewater nutrient loading were followed by a more diverse adult fish community, with species richness and diversity generally increasing after the 2004–2005 Metro upgrades. However, the response was not uniform: expected species richness was not significantly higher post-upgrade, and the community remained influenced by alewife, gizzard shad, invasive species, and habitat changes.

Key findings

  • Adult species richness increased from 13 species recorded in 1946 to more than 40 species documented annually since 2008 and more than 50 species documented since 2000; total species captured using all gears ranged from a low of 29 in 2003 to a high of 45 in 2010, with 55 species recorded since 2000.
  • Adult fish diversity was significantly higher following wastewater treatment plant upgrades in 2004 and 2005 (ANOVA: F₁,₁₈ = 5.26, P = 0.03), but expected species richness was not statistically significant post-upgrade compared with prior (F₁,₂₃ = 3.81, P = 0.075).
  • Expected species richness increased significantly for 2002–2012 gillnet data (E(S)₅₂ = 0.391 × YEAR + 7.66, r² = 0.59, P = 0.006) and for 1946–2012 trap net data (E(S)₁₆₄ = 0.203 × YEAR + 4.44, r² = 0.81, P < 0.005); the trap-net slope was similar to Tango and Ringler’s historical slope of 0.226.
  • Macrophyte coverage increased from 34 ha (11% of the littoral zone) in 2000 to >200 ha (65% of the littoral zone) in 2012, while Metro upgrades reduced average annual ammonia loading from 890 metric tons during 1990–2004 to 42 metric tons in 2012 and total phosphorus loading from 50 metric tons during 1990–2004 to 8 metric tons in 2012.

Methods

  • The Onondaga County Ambient Monitoring Program sampled adult fish in Onondaga Lake from 2000–2012 using boat electrofishing in the littoral zone (spring and fall, 24 fixed transects, night sampling) and gillnets in the pelagic zone; gillnet methodology differed among 2000, 2002–2011, and 2012.
  • SUNY-ESF trap-net data from 1998, 2002, and 2005–2012 were used for comparison with historical trap-net results, including Tango and Ringler (1996); trap nets were set monthly May–October for about 24 h.
  • Analyses included Shannon-Wiener diversity and evenness, dominance-3 (DOM-3), rarefaction using the Coleman equation to standardize expected species richness, linear regression for trends, and ANOVA comparing pre-2004 and post-2005 Metro upgrade periods.

Limitations

  • The paper states that raw data from Tango and Ringler (1996) were unavailable, so gillnet expected species richness could not be directly compared to that previous study; electrofishing methods also differed from Tango and Ringler, preventing direct comparison of that dataset.
  • The paper notes that dense macrophyte stands can make fish removal more difficult and may produce a low bias, possibly contributing to the non-significant difference in expected species richness after nutrient reductions; recruitment sampling may also be less effective in dense macrophytes, and increased predation on pelagic larvae may be a factor.
  • The paper states that interpretation is complicated by many biotic and abiotic factors affecting fish community structure, including annual weather variability, species interactions, food web effects, and invasive species, in addition to nutrient changes; evident from the text, the study is an observational before-after monitoring program without a control lake, so it cannot isolate the wastewater treatment plant upgrades from concurrent changes such as dreissenid mussel invasion, alewife dynamics, and macrophyte expansion.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1080/10402381.2015.1093569

Cites

29 of 29 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

12 of 58 cited sources checked · 10 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation

    Onondaga Lake in central New York received industrial and cultural pollution for well over a century, severely altering chemical, physical, and biological properties.

    “Onondaga Lake in central New York received industrial and cultural pollution for well over a century, severely altering chemical, physical, and biological properties (Effler and Hennigan 1996).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Effler and Hennigan 1996 source
  • Premisecitation

    The Onondaga Lake fish community has changed dramatically since colonial times due to the combined influences of water quality and habitat degradation and invasion of nonindigenous species.

    “The Onondaga Lake fish community has changed dramatically since colonial times due to the combined influences of water quality and habitat degradation and invasion of nonindigenous species.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Webster 1982

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Tango and Ringler 1996 source
  • Study design and conductreasoning

    We are not able to compare the littoral zone electroshocking data directly to Tango and Ringler (1996) because the sampling method was different.

    “Because the sampling method was different than that used in Tango and Ringler (1996), we are not able to compare this information directly to their study.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Tango and Ringler (1996) source
  • Findingown data

    Adult fish diversity in Onondaga Lake was significantly higher following wastewater treatment plant upgrades in 2004 and 2005 (F 1,18 = 5.26, P = 0.03).

    “Adult fish diversity was significantly higher following wastewater treatment plant upgrades in 2004 and 2005 (F 1,18 = 5.26, P = 0.03).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Expected species richness was not statistically significant following upgrades compared to prior (F 1,23 = 3.81; P = 0.075).

    “Expected species richness was not statistically significant following upgrades compared to prior (F 1,23 = 3.81; P = 0.075).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 47
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 16
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Historically a mesotrophic system, high nutrient concentrations (total phosphorus concentrations >100 ug/L) due to wastewater discharge and nonpoint-source loadings led to frequent algal blooms, high turbidity, and hypolimnetic anoxia, resulting in Onondaga Lake being classified as hypereutrophic.

    “Historically a mesotrophic system (Rowell 1996), high nutrient concentrations (total phosphorus [TP] concentrations in the lake >100 ug/L) due to wastewater discharge and nonpoint-source loadings led to frequent algal blooms, high turbidity, and hypolimnetic anoxia, resulting in the lake being classified as hypereutrophic (Effler 1996).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Rowell 1996 source
    • cites Effler 1996

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The Onondaga County Metropolitan Syracuse Wastewater Treatment Plant (Metro) was the most significant nutrient load to Onondaga Lake and had significant effects on its trophic state and fish habitat structure and availability.

    “The Onondaga County Metropolitan Syracuse Wastewater Treatment Plant (Metro) was the most significant nutrient load to the lake and had significant effects on its trophic state and fish habitat structure and availability (Effler et al. 2002).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Effler et al. 2002 source

      External Total Phosphorus Loads (p. 6) identifies Metro as the largest measured phosphorus source, contributing 68% of annual loads; Cultural Eutrophication (p. 5) links high phosphorus loading to the lake’s eutrophic state. That section also reports oxygen depletion and fish migration, but it does not establish that Metro specifically changed fish habitat structure or availability. (LLM, conf=0.87)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    We did not directly compare gillnet expected species richness to the previous study based on rarefaction because the minimum catch from 1946 to 1996 was 164 and we were unable to obtain the raw data from Tango and Ringler (1996).

    “Because the minimum catch from 1946 to 1996 was 164, and we were unable to obtain the raw data from Tango and Ringler (1996), we did not directly compare gillnet expected species richness to the previous study based on rarefaction.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Tango and Ringler (1996) source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    This pattern is consistent with the increasing trend documented by Tango and Ringler (1996), with a similar slope.

    “This pattern is consistent with the increasing trend documented by Tango and Ringler (1996), with a similar slope of 0.226 (no SE provided) vs. 0.203 (SE = 0.035).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Tango and Ringler (1996) source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductcitation

    Students at SUNY-ESF have continued the program of trap netting within Onondaga Lake, using methods similar to those used by Tango and Ringer (1996).

    “Students at SUNY-ESF have continued the program of trap netting within Onondaga Lake, using methods similar to those used by Tango and Ringer (1996).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Tango and Ringer (1996) source

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Similar numbers of species were collected in the early to mid-1990s, with a high of 45 species in 1991.

    “similar numbers of species were collected in the early to mid-1990s with a high of 45 species in 1991 (Tango and Ringler 1996).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Tango and Ringler 1996 source

      The discussion on p. 2 says annual surveys in the 1990s found 1.7–2.5 times an estimated 18 species, supporting a high of about 45 and broadly similar counts. The passages available from Table 2 (History, pp. 4–5) do not establish that 45 species were collected specifically in 1991. (LLM, conf=0.82)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    The decline of large zooplankton potentially allows increased algal biomass and reduced water transparency, in accordance with trophic cascade theory and specifically documented in alewife populations.

    “The decline of large zooplankton potentially allows increased algal biomass (and reduced water transparency) in accordance with trophic cascade theory and specifically documented in alewife populations (Brooks and Dodson 1965, Carpenter et al. 1985, Harman et al. 2002).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Brooks and Dodson 1965 source
    • cites Carpenter et al. 1985 source
    • cites Harman et al. 2002 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Historically, relatively few fish species were reported, with 10 in 1927, 12 in 1946, and 22 in 1980, coinciding with the degradation of the lake due to industrial and municipal waste discharges.

    “Historically, relatively few fish species were reported, with 10 in 1927, 12 in 1946, and 22 in 1980(Tango and Ringler 1996), coinciding with the degradation of the lake due to industrial and municipal waste discharges.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Tango and Ringler 1996 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Studies of reoligotrophication and effects on fish communities have mixed results, with most reporting a decline in species abundance coinciding with lowered nutrients.

    “Studies of reoligotrophication and effects on fish communities have mixed results, with most reporting a decline in species abundance coinciding with lowered nutrients (Jeppesen et al. 2005).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Jeppesen et al. 2005 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Adult species richness in Onondaga Lake increased from 13 species recorded in 1946 to more than 40 species documented annually since 2008 and more than 50 species documented since 2000.

    “adult species richness has increased from 13 species recorded in 1946 to more than 40 species documented annually since 2008 and more than 50 species documented since 2000.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Adult species diversity in Onondaga Lake has varied since 2000, with increasing dominance by largemouth bass, yellow perch, and brown bullhead.

    “Adult species diversity has varied since 2000, with increasing dominance by largemouth bass, yellow perch, and brown bullhead.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The total number of species captured in the lake using all gears and including all life stages generally increased following upgrades at Metro, with a low of 29 species in 2003, a high of 45 species in 2010, and 55 species recorded since 2000.

    “Overall, the total number of species captured in the lake using all gears and including all life stages generally increased following upgrades at Metro, with a low of 29 species in 2003, a high of 45 species in 2010, and 55 species recorded since 2000 (Table 1).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    In 2004, a biological aeration filter (BAF) system at Metro was completed, providing year-round nitrification of ammonia resulting in reductions in average annual loading from 890 metric tons during 1990-2004 to 42 metric tons in 2012.

    “In 2004, a biological aeration filter (BAF) system at Metro was completed, providing year-round nitrification of ammonia resulting in reductions in average annual loading from 890 metric tons during 1990-2004 to 42 metric tons in 2012.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The hypothesis of increasing fish community diversity and richness with improving water quality conditions is partially supported by the analyses, but changes have not been as dramatic as initially envisioned.

    “Our hypothesis of increasing fish community diversity and richness with improving water quality conditions is partially supported by our analyses; however, changes have not been as dramatic as initially envisioned.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    In the pelagic zone, DOM-3 values have generally declined since 2006, with values more similar to the littoral zone.

    “In the pelagic zone, DOM-3 values have generally declined since 2006, with values more similar to the littoral zone”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Pelagic fish species diversity steadily increased from 2004 to 2007 and generally has remained higher than before the upgrades.

    “pelagic fish species diversity steadily increased from 2004 to 2007 and generally has remained higher than before the upgrades (Fig. 2).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    As a result of the lowered productivity, hypoxic volume days have been declining and habitat has been improving for nearly 2 decades, providing greater periods of oxygenated thermal refuge in cold waters.

    “As a result of the lowered productivity, hypoxic volume days have been declining and habitat has been improving for nearly 2 decades (Fig. 2), providing greater periods of oxygenated thermal refuge in cold waters.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    The water quality of Onondaga Lake has improved over the past decade, largely a result of improvements to Metro in 2004 and 2005.

    “The water quality of Onondaga Lake has improved over the past decade, largely a result of improvements to Metro in 2004 and 2005.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Quillback (Carpiodes cyprinus) and silver redhorse (Moxostoma anisurum) were documented in 2005 and now are part of the annual catches.

    “Two other new species, quillback (Carpiodes cyprinus) and silver redhorse (Moxostoma anisurum), were documented in 2005 and now are part of the annual catches.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Fish species evenness in the littoral and pelagic samples varied, with similar patterns as observed in diversity.

    “Fish species evenness in the littoral and pelagic samples varied, with similar patterns as observed in diversity (Fig. 3).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Following Metro upgrades, littoral fish species diversity peaked in 2006 and then declined to similar values observed prior to upgrades.

    “Following Metro upgrades, littoral fish species diversity peaked in 2006 and then declined to similar values observed prior to upgrades”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Species richness based on the adult fish community has generally been steady since 2000, with consistently more than 40 species documented since 2009.

    “Although species richness (based on the adult fish community) has generally been steady since 2000, with consistently >40 species documented since 2009 (Table 1)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Table 1

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Coldwater species are common in several lake tributaries but are still uncommon in the lake.

    “Coldwater species, while common in several lake tributaries, are still uncommon in the lake”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    With reduced nutrients, algal growth has become more limited, resulting in clear water with no major or minor algal blooms observed since 2008.

    “With reduced nutrients, algal growth has become more limited, resulting in clear water with no major or minor algal blooms observed since 2008 (OCDWEP 2014).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites OCDWEP 2014

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In 2012, 9 species were documented in larval trawls, indicating reproduction in the lake, whereas 20 species were documented in 2000.

    “In 2012, 9 species were documented in larval trawls, indicating reproduction in the lake, whereas 20 species were documented in 2000 (OCDWEP 2014).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites OCDWEP 2014

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Since 2002, alewife dominance can be directly correlated with changes in zooplankton community composition, with low abundance of large zooplankton in 2002 coinciding with a strong alewife year class, increasing abundance in 2008 coinciding with declining alewife, and very low abundance of large zooplankton from 2009 through 2012 coinciding with another strong alewife year class.

    “Since 2002, alewife dominance can be directly correlated with changes in zooplankton community composition, with low abundance of large zooplankton in 2002 coinciding with a strong alewife year class, increasing abundance in 2008 coinciding with declining alewife, and very low abundance of large zooplankton from 2009 through 2012 coinciding with another strong alewife year class (OCDWEP 2014).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites OCDWEP 2014

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Historically, macrophytes were limited in Onondaga Lake, with observations in 1946 indicating 'weed beds were very scarce,' and consisted of only one species.

    “Historically, macrophytes were limited in the lake, with observations in 1946 indicating "weed beds were very scarce," and consisted of only one species (Stone and Pasko 1946).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Stone and Pasko 1946

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In 1991, 5 macrophyte species were observed, and in 2000, 10 species were identified from 34 ha (11% of the littoral zone) in Onondaga Lake.

    “In 1991, 5 species were observed (Madsen et al. 1996), and in 2000, 10 species were identified from 34 ha (11% of the littoral zone).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Madsen et al. 1996

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Dramatic increases in macrophyte coverage and dreissenid mussel densities have been documented in Onondaga Lake.

    “Dramatic increases in macrophyte coverage and dreissenid mussel densities also have been documented.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites OCDWEP 2014

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Upgrades at Metro in 2004 and 2005 have resulted in a 98% decrease in ammonia loading and an 85% reduction in total phosphorus loading to Onondaga Lake since the mid-1990s.

    “Upgrades at Metro in 2004 and 2005 have resulted in a 98% decrease in ammonia loading and an 85% reduction in TP loading to the lake since the mid-1990s, respectively (OCDWEP 2014).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites OCDWEP 2014

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Onondaga Lake is part of the Seneca River system, which provides a corridor for fish movement between the lake and the waterways connected to the Seneca River, evidenced by floy tag returns on fish marked since 1987.

    “Onondaga Lake also is part of the Seneca River system, which provides a corridor for fish movement between the lake and the waterways connected to the Seneca River, evidenced by floy tag returns on fish marked by SUNY-ESF and OCDWEP since 1987 (Gandino 1996, Siniscal 2009).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Gandino 1996

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Siniscal 2009

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The appearance of lake sturgeon reflects the restoration of this species to the watershed, which has been stocked in Oneida Lake since 1995.

    “reflecting the restoration of this species to the watershed (stocked in Oneida Lake since 1995)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Hypolimnetic anoxia typically occurs in the summer months, although less severe than historically.

    “when hypolimnetic anoxia typically occurs, although less severe than historically”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Karboski 2013

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites OCDWEP 2014

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    With improved water quality and macrophyte coverage, a diverse and robust fish community has become established, including both native and exotic species.

    “With improved water quality and macrophyte coverage, a diverse and robust fish community has become established, including both native and exotic species.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Changes in habitat, most notably the increasing coverage and diversity of littoral macrophytes, have provided increased spatial diversity.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    During the late 1980s to mid-1990s, 52 species were captured in Onondaga Lake using trap nets, gillnets, and seines.

    “During the late 1980s to mid-1990s, 52 species were captured in Onondaga Lake using trap nets, gillnets, and seines.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Ringler et al. 1996

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Gandino 1996

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Arrigo 1998

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Study design and conductown data

    The residuals from the analysis generally looked normal, supporting assumptions of independence and no autocorrelation.

    “We also evaluated the potential for autocorrelation and our assumptions of independence in the data by plotting the residuals, which generally looked normal.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Total catch may have been influenced by changes in habitat characteristics (e.g., macrophyte expansion) or sampling personnel.

    “may have been influenced by changes in habitat characteristics (e.g., macrophyte expansion) or sampling personnel”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The improvement in Onondaga Lake water quality over the past decade has been dramatic, with both ammonia and TP concentrations significantly reduced from historically high levels.

    “The improvement in Onondaga Lake water quality over the past decade has been dramatic, with both ammonia and TP concentrations significantly reduced from historically high levels.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites OCDWEP 2014

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Hypolimnetic anoxia eliminated the year-round availability of coldwater habitats in Onondaga Lake; however, dissolved oxygen conditions were sufficient to support seasonal use for coldwater species using the lake as part of their regional, annual home range.

    “Hypolimnetic anoxia eliminated the year-round availability of coldwater habitats; however, dissolved oxygen conditions were sufficient to support seasonal use for coldwater species using the lake as part of their regional, annual home range.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Effler 1996

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Matthews and Effler 2006 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    Gillnet sampling methodology differed slightly between 2000, 2002-2011, and 2012.

    “Gillnet sampling methodology differed slightly between 2000, 2002-2011, and 2012.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    We used rarefaction (Brewer and Williamson 1994) to standardize our data and to estimate expected species richness each year for comparison to previous assessments.

    “we used rarefaction (Brewer and Williamson 1994) to standardize our data and to estimate expected species richness each year for comparison to previous assessments”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Brewer and Williamson 1994 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The increasing complexity of both pelagic and littoral habitat results in an ecosystem that may be more resilient to environmental stress.

    “The increasing complexity of both pelagic and littoral habitat results in an ecosystem that may be more resilient to environmental stress (Naiman and Latterell 2005, St. Pierre and Kovalenko 2014).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Naiman and Latterell 2005 source
    • cites St. Pierre and Kovalenko 2014 source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductcitation

    For direct comparison of the present study with the Tango study, we incorporated recent results for 1998 and 2002, 2005 and 2006, and 2008 through 2012.

    “For direct comparison of the present study with the Tango study, we also incorporated recent results for 1998 and 2002 (Gandino pers. comm .), 2005 and 2006 (Siniscal 2009), and 2008 through 2012 (Kirby 2009, 2013, Johnson 2013).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Gandino pers. comm.

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Siniscal 2009

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Kirby 2009, 2013, Johnson 2013

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The coordinates at the beginning and end of each transect were recorded with a global positioning system (GPS) in 2000 and remained constant throughout the program.

    “The coordinates at the beginning and end of each transect were recorded with a global positioning system (GPS) in 2000 and remained constant throughout the program.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The methodologies used each year for electrofishing remained constant.

    “The methodologies used each year for electrofishing remained constant.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The entire shoreline was sampled because the end of one transect was the beginning of the next.

    “Because the end of one transect was the beginning of the next, the entire shoreline was sampled.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Both alewife and gizzard shad periodically produce strong year classes that dominate the catch for years because alewife can live to 8 years and gizzard shad even longer.

    “Extremes in recruitment are seen as well; both fish periodically produce strong year classes that dominate the catch for years because alewife can live to 8 years and gizzard shad even longer (Werner 1994).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Werner 1994

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Electrofishing effort was standardized during the 13 years of sampling.

    “Although electrofishing effort was standardized during the 13 years of sampling”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    2000 gillnet data were omitted due to the difference in gillnet methodology.

    “2000 data were omitted due to the difference in gillnet methodology”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Improvements in water quality in Onondaga Lake have likely led to reductions in the duration of hypolimnetic hypoxia and the elimination of low dissolved oxygen levels in the epilimnion during lake turnover in the fall.

    “Improvements in water quality in Onondaga Lake have likely led to reductions in the duration of hypolimnetic hypoxia and the elimination of low dissolved oxygen levels in the epilimnion during lake turnover in the fall.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Alewife densities have reduced large zooplankton, resulting in less grazing on phytoplankton and shifting water clarity.

    “These effects however, may be compounded by alewife densities that have reduced the large zooplankton, resulting in less grazing on phytoplankton and shifting water clarity.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    The reasons for overall changes in richness and diversity are more complex and species-specific and likely reflect changes in overall lake productivity, increased littoral zone habitat diversity, and food web changes.

    “The reasons for overall changes in richness and diversity are more complex and species-specific and likely reflect changes in overall lake productivity; increased littoral zone habitat diversity, which will benefit some species more than others; as well as food web changes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    The invasion of zebra mussels and quagga mussels following ammonia reduction has added a filter feeder that grazes on the increased phytoplankton, reducing the severity of the decreased water transparency from alewife grazing.

    “The invasion of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis) following ammonia reduction, however, has added a filter feeder that grazes on the increased phytoplankton, reducing the severity of the decreased water transparency from alewife grazing (Spada et al. 2002, OCD-WEP 2014).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Spada et al. 2002 source
    • cites OCDWEP 2014

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The relationship of species richness with trophic state is not linear, but rather quadratic with peak species richness at moderate levels of productivity and lower richness as productivity increases or decreases.

    “Recent studies on species diversity and lake productivity suggest the relationship of species richness with trophic state is not linear, but rather quadratic with peak species richness at moderate levels of productivity and lower richness as productivity increases or decreases (e.g., Rosenzwieg and Abramsky 1993, Dodson et al. 2000, Mittelbach et al. 2001).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Rosenzwieg and Abramsky 1993

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Dodson et al. 2000 source
    • cites Mittelbach et al. 2001 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The lack of a significant winter kill during the past decade may reflect improving water quality under the ice and may indicate the likelihood that alewife and gizzard shad will continue to influence fish community and food web dynamics.

    “The lack of a significant winter kill during the past decade may reflect improving water quality under the ice and may indicate the likelihood that alewife and gizzard shad will continue to influence fish community and food web dynamics.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Early life stages of fish are most sensitive to ammonia and nitrite, and elevated concentrations affect the reproductive success of the fish community.

    “Early life stages of fish are most sensitive to ammonia and nitrite, and elevated concentrations affect the reproductive success of the fish community (Reinbold andPescitelli 1982, USEPA 2013).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Reinbold and Pescitelli 1982

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites USEPA 2013

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

56 of 56

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The fish community would take several years to respond to improvements in water quality, and this may be reflected in both an increased number of species and a change in dominant species.

    “It would be expected that the fish community would take several years to respond to improvements in water quality, and that this may be reflected in both an increased number of species as well as a change in the dominant species.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Changes in habitat, most notably the increasing coverage and diversity of littoral macrophytes, have provided increased spatial diversity.

    “Changes in habitat, most notably the increasing coverage and diversity of littoral macrophytes (most dominant: Ceratophyllum demersum, Myriophyllum spicatum, Potomageton crispus, and P. foliosis), have provided increased spatial diversity.”
2 of 2

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Conflicting 1946 fish-species counts

    Minor

    The abstract reports 13 species recorded in 1946, whereas the discussion reports 12.

  • Gillnet regression has two different intercepts

    Minor

    The abstract gives an intercept of 67.66 for the 2002-2012 gillnet regression, but the results give 7.66 for the same regression.

2 of 2

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 5

  1. Harman WN, 2002, J Great Lakes Res., 18, 215
  2. Reinbold KA, 1982, Final Report to USEPA.
  3. Rudstam LG, 2013, Final Report to Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection.
  4. Webster DA., 1982, NY Fish Game J., 29, 26
  5. Williamson K, 2006, NY State Conserv., 60, 7

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Murphy, M. H., Gandino, C. J., Ringler, N. H., Kirby, L., Johnson, S., Smith, M., & Schroeder, S.
Affiliations
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (US)
Corresponding author
Murphy, Margaret H.
ORCID
Venue
Lake and Reservoir Management
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
2015-10-02
Volume
31
Issue
4
Pages
347-358
ISSN
  • 0743-8141 (ISSN-L)
  • 1040-2381
  • 2151-5530
DOI
10.1080/10402381.2015.1093569
OpenAlex
W2176582834
Semantic Scholar
6dad9616854aacb8fec0b68a18ee581f177bb8db
Cited by
2
References
29
Citations by year
2021: 1 · 2016: 1
FWCI
0.34
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
Lake and Reservoir Management (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • Edna Bailey Sussman Foundation
  • Syracuse University
  • State University of New York
  • European Social Fund
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Nature and Landscape Conservation › Fish Ecology and Management Studies
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Environmental Chemistry › Aquatic Ecosystems and Phytoplankton Dynamics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Aquatic Science › Fish Biology and Ecology Studies
Keywords
nutrient load reduction, wastewater treatment plant upgrade, species richness, fish diversity, largemouth bass, yellow perch, brown bullhead, dreissenid mussels, aquatic plants, lake restoration, eutrophication, Onondaga County, New York, rarefaction analysis, invasive species impacts

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-16.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-16.

Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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