Horvath BRI Proposal – Page 1
Project Title: Assessing the risk of aquatic nuisance species within the Upper Susquehanna
River basin
BRI General Category: Ecological Research
General Overview:
Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) are considered major factors decreasing native species
diversity. Among the most problematic of ANS is the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha).
Zebra mussels cause dramatic changes in ecosystem function, as is evident in the Great Lakes
(e.g., Skubinna et al. 1995) and the Hudson River (Strayer et al. 1999). Additionally, they have
caused or have been implicated in contributing to the decline of numerous freshwater species in
the United States. In its report on the status of freshwater organisms, The Nature Conservancy
reported serious threats to freshwater-dependent species at risk. Among groups of species most
at risk are the Unionidae (freshwater pearly mussels), with almost 70% of species at risk, and the
Astacidea (crayfish), with over 50% of species at risk (The Nature Conservancy 2000). This
proposal addresses the concern that zebra mussels may have on the Unionidae, and also
systematically assesses the Astacidea, particularly the invasive rusty crayfish.
Zebra mussels pose a serious threat to Unionidae populations, and have reduced
numerous unionid populations within the Great Lakes already. For example, unionids in Lake
St. Clair were reduced by as much as 97% (Nalepa 1995). In rivers, zebra mussels must reach
densities of at least 1000 mussels/m2 to have a significant effect on the unionids (Ricciardi et al.
1995). Zebra mussel densities have exceeded this threshold in large river systems, such as the
St. Lawrence (Ricciardi et al. 1995). However, the vast majority of the unionid biodiversity in
North America can be found in smaller streams. For these unionids, the threat posed by zebra
mussels colonizing their stream habitat currently is unpredictable. Zebra mussel densities do
exceed 1000/m2 threshold in some small streams, especially near the outflow of lakes (Horvath
et al. 1996), so the threat to these unionids exists. When faced with the threat of zebra mussel
invasion, resource managers have an option to relocate threatened and endangered unionids, but
this option can be detrimental to the unionids (e.g., 49% mortality of relocated unionids; Cope
and Waller 1995). Relocation should be done only when significant danger to the unionids
exists, and the unionids need to be relocated to a habitat that has a low probability of zebra
mussel invasion. However, only sparse data exist to assess the ability of zebra mussels to
successfully colonize streams, and maintain populations large enough to impact unionids. The
need to reliably predict which stream systems are likely to be invaded by zebra mussels is of
utmost importance for all other methods for protecting unionids from zebra mussels.
The first established population of zebra mussels were reported in the Upper
Susquehanna River basin (USRB) from Eaton Brook Reservoir, Madison County NY, in 2000
(P. Lord, Biological Field Station, Cooperstown NY), and a second population was documented
in Canadarago Lake, Otsego County NY, by the PI in 2002. Zebra mussel veligers, the larval
life stage, were collected throughout the outflowing streams of both water bodies in 2003 (PI,
unpublished data). Recreational boaters are a major lake-to-lake dispersal vector (Johnson and
Carleton 1996), and boaters are carrying zebra mussels from these lakes to other lakes within the
USRB (PI, unpublished data). If zebra mussels disperse widely throughout the basin, native
biodiversity may be negatively affected.
Because of the conservation status of the taxa mentioned, particular interest will be given
to comparing possible changes in the family Unionidae and Infraorder Astacidea. Recent and
Horvath BRI Proposal – Page 2
historical distributions of Unionidae in the USRB have been compared in Strayer and Fetterman
(1999), and attempts to repeat this study is outside of the scope of this proposed study. However,
since zebra mussels have since been reported in the USRB, some concern as to the status of
Unionidae is warranted. Astacidea have apparently not been systematically surveyed in the
USRB since Crocker’s work (Crocker 1957). However, the literature will be surveyed for
smaller studies reporting occurrences (e.g., Daniels et al. 2001). The appearance of the invasive
Orconectes rusticus in the USRB warrants a revisit of this family’s distribution in this watershed.
Objectives:
(1) Document the presence of ANS along stream corridors in the Upper Susquehanna River
Basin by producing a usable GIS-based database and maps showing geographic
distributions.
(2) Produce a list of habitats in the USRB that are susceptible to invasion by ANS,
particularly zebra mussels.
(3) Dedicate special attention to documenting species of Unionidae and Astacidea.
Methods:
Site selection: Sampling sites will be chosen to best characterize the USRB for
susceptibility to invasion by zebra mussels. Lake outlets are the focus of sampling because lakes
are important landscape features determining zebra mussel presence (Horvath et al. 1996).
Outlet streams are easier to sample than lakes and will indicate presence of zebra mussels in both
the streams and lakes. Additionally, efforts to duplicate sampling sites that offer opportunities
for comparisons to previous biotic surveys (Strayer and Fetterman 1999, Crocker 1957) will be
made. In general, water chemistry throughout the USRB should be favorable for zebra mussels,
although this project will assess this in detail, and is not a determining variable in site selection.
Global positioning system coordinates (GPS) will be recorded at all visited sites.
Field sampling: At selected sites, zebra mussel veligers will be sampled by concentrating
plankton using a 63-μm-mesh net. Laboratory analyses of samples will employ the crosspolarized light technique (Johnson 1995), which increases the detection efficiency. Water
chemistry variables useful in determining suitability for zebra mussels will be measured,
including alkalinity, conductivity, calcium, dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature. Important
physical variables to be measure include temperature, substrate type, and mean current velocity.
In addition to zebra mussel presence, sites will be visually inspected for presence of other
ANS, such as Japanese Knotweed, which can exacerbate stream degradation when growing
along stream banks (Beerling 1991), and the rusty crayfish, which decrease other
macroinvertebrates in streams (Charlebois and Lamberti 1996).
Quantitative surveys of Unionidae populations will be made by visually searching a
reasonable area of streambed. Encountered Unionidae will be identified on site, measured (shell
lengths, wet mass), and replaced to the location they were collected; no unionids will be carried
away from the collection sites. If identifications are uncertain, identical empty shells and digital
images of the live specimen will be taken.
Astacidea will be collected using kick nets and by hand-turning stones. Efforts will be
made to collect both sexes at a time when Form I males are present. This may require revisiting
sites when Form I males are present (e.g., Fall). Hybridization, which is common among some
species of Orconectes, will be considered during identifications.
Horvath BRI Proposal – Page 3
Modeling efforts: Based on literature that details the physical and chemical requirements
of ANS that are potential problems in the USRB, a model will be generated that rates the
suitability of the sites for ANS establishment. GPS data will be used to generate GIS layers for
water chemistries, species distributions (both native and non-native), and specialty maps
indicating areas of concern (based on species present and susceptibility to ANS invasion).
Anticipated Results:
The bulk of the data will be species lists in and along streams immediately downstream
of lakes and impoundments in the USRB. Data will generate a GIS-based model of habitat
susceptibility to invasion by various ANS, particularly zebra mussels. Additionally, if ANS are
encountered, the data will generate maps of the extent of colonization. Based on ANS and native
species present, available literature will be used to predict possible impacts in co-occurring
habitats. Comparisons of species distributions of Unionidae and Astacidea will be made with
historic distributions documented in the literature.
Voucher Specimens:
Voucher specimens of all Astacidea identified will be deposited with the New York State
Museum. The PI has contacted Robert Daniels, NYS Museum Curator of Ichthyology, regarding
procedures. Because collection of live Unionidae will be absolutely minimized, only dead shells
and digital images will be collected. However, these will also be made available to the museum
for their use.
Anticipated Products:
The PI will be responsible for producing a full report of the findings to the Biodiversity
Research Institute, as well as a progress report following collection of summer 2004 data.
Additionally, this project will generate a GIS database that can be used by resource managers.
This database would allow officials to determine the areas most in need of (1) protection or
conservation, in the case that rare or listed organisms are encountered and there is a risk of
invasion by ANS, (2) longer-term monitoring, in the case that the model suggests a high risk of
invasion by ANS, and (3) remediation, if the habitat is currently impacted by ANS and
remediation is a possibility.
Because no systematic monitoring for ANS is conducted in the USRB, the report
generated would be a baseline dataset on the extent of ANS presence. Again, the data would be
used to create GIS-based output.
Project Timeline:
Field sampling would begin June 1, 2004 or earlier. Sampling for zebra mussel veligers
at lake outlets requires that sampling occur while surface waters are warm enough for zebra
mussel reproduction (10-12ºC). Reproduction efforts tend to decline to levels that may be
difficult to detect by the start of September. Other ANS are detectable for longer time periods
and thus should not dictate the sampling schedule.
A progress report will be delivered by November 2005. Modeling the results would
occur through the remainder of the year until the models are finished. Final products will be
deliverable by 30 April 2005.
Horvath BRI – Literature Cited
Literature Cited:
Charlebois, P. M., and G. A. Lamberti. 1996. Invading crayfish in a Michigan stream: Direct and
indirect effects on periphyton and macroinvertebrates. Journal of the North American
Benthological Society 15:551-563.
Cope, W. G., and D. L. Waller. 1995. Evaluation of freshwater mussel relocation as a
conservation and management strategy. Regulated Rivers: Research & Management.
11(2):147-155.
Crocker, D. W. 1957. The crayfishes of New York state. New York State Museum and Science
Service Bulletin 355:1-97.
Daniels, R.A., Murphy, D.C., and Klemens, M.W. 2001. Orconectes neglectus is established in
the Northeast. Northeastern Naturalist 8:93-100.
Horvath, T. G., G. A. Lamberti, D. M. Lodge, and W. L. Perry. 1996. Zebra mussel dispersal in
lake-stream systems: source-sink dynamics? Journal of the North American
Benthological Society 15:564-575.
Johnson, L. E. 1995. Enhanced early detection and enumeration of zebra mussel (Dreissena spp.)
veligers using cross-polarized light microscopy. Hydrobiologia 312:139-146.
Johnson, L. E., and J. T. Carlton. 1996. Post-establishment spread in large-scale invasions:
dispersal mechanisms of the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha. Ecology 77:16861690.
Nalepa, T. F. 1995. Decline of native unionid bivalves in Lake St. Clair after infestation by the
zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic
Sciences 51:2227-2233.
Ricciardi, A., F. G. Whoriskey, and J. B. Rasmussen. 1995. Predicting the intensity and impact
of Dreissena infestation on native unionid bivalves from Dreissena field density.
Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 52:1449-1461.
Skubinna, J. P., T. G. Coon, and T. R. Batterson. 1995. Increased abundance and depth of
submersed macrophytes in response to decreased turbidity in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron.
Journal of Great Lakes Research 21:476-488.
Strayer, D. L., and A. R. Fetterman. 1997. Changes in the distribution of freshwater mussels
(Unionidae) in the Upper Susquehanna River basin, 1955-1965 to 1996-1997. American
Midland Naturalist 142:328-339.
Strayer, D. L., N. F. Caraco, J. J. Cole, S. Findlay, and M. L Pace. 1999. Transformation of
freshwater ecosystems by bivalves: a case study of zebra mussels in the Hudson River.
BioScience 49:19-27.
The Nature Conservancy 2000. Precious Heritage: The Status of Biodiversity in the United
States. B.A. Stein, L.S. Kutner, and J. S. Adams (editors). Oxford University Press, New
York.
Horvath Resume – Page 1
Curriculum Vitae
Thomas G. Horvath
Biology Department
320 Science Building I
SUNY College at Oneonta
Oneonta, NY 13820-4015
Ph: 607-436-3899
Fax: 607-436-3646
Email: horvattg@oneonta.edu
Education
Postdoctorate, Max Planck Institute for Limnology’s River Station 1997-1999
Ph.D., University of Notre Dame
1997
B.S., University of Indianapolis
1992
Academic Positions
Assistant Professor, SUNY College at Oneonta
Graduate Faculty, Biological Field Station (SUNY)
Adjunct Lecturer, Purdue University North Central
Aquatic Ecologist/Statistician, US Geological Survey
Researcher, Max Plank Institute for Limnology
Research Assistant, University of Notre Dame
Teaching Assistant, University of Notre Dame
2001-present
2001-present
1999-2001
1999-2001
1997-1999
1993-1997
1992-1996
Courses Taught
Introductory Biology (BIOL 100), Introduction to Environmental Pollution (BIOL286),
Limnology (BIOL 385), Topics in Limnology (BIOL 685), Experimental Stream Ecology (BIOL
688): SUNY Oneonta
Limnology (FNR 501), Field Ecology (BIOL 591): Purdue University North Central
Student Supervision
Undergraduate Research Supervision: P. Hance (2004), S. Blincoe (2002), M. Glantz (20012002), C. Wells (2001-2002), C. Shafer (2001), K. Martin (University of Notre Dame, 19961997), D. Hassfurther (Kalamazoo College, 1996)
Thesis Advisor: Michael Grey (SUNY-Oneonta)
Masters Thesis Committee: L. Trotta (SUNY-Oneonta), Michael Stensland (SUNY-Oneonta),
Mark Cornwell (SUNY-Oneonta), Wesley Tibbits (SUNY-Oneonta), J. Butcher (Purdue
University)
Academic Awards
Research Fellowship, Max Planck Institute for Limnology’s River Station
Navarri Fellowship, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame
Teaching Assistantships, University of Notre Dame
Research Assistantships, University of Notre Dame
National Biological Honors Society
National Languages Honor Society
Horvath Resume – Page 2
Publications
Horvath, T.G. 2004. Retention of particulate matter by macrophytes in a first-order stream.
Aquatic Botany 78(1):27-36.
Horvath, T. and P. Lord. 2003. First report of zebra mussels in Canadarago Lake. Biological
Field Station Annual Report vol 35:158-159.
Horvath, T. and B. Brodie. 2003. Longitudinal distribution of zebra mussel veligers along Eaton
Brook, Madison County New York. Biological Field Station Annual Report vol 35: 159165.
Cronin, G., D.M. Lodge, M.E. Hay, M. Miller, A. Hill, T. Horvath, R. Bolser, N. Lindquist, and
M. Wahl. 2002. Crayfish feeding preferences for freshwater macrophytes: the influence of
plant structure and chemistry. Journal of Crustacean Biology 22(4): 708–718.
Horvath, T.G., R.L. Whitman, and L.L. Last. 2001. Establishment of two invasive crustaceans
(Copepoda: Harpacticoida) in the nearshore sands of Lake Michigan. Canadian Journal of
Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 58:1261-1264.
Lewis, K.M., J.L. Feder, T.G. Horvath and G.A. Lamberti. 2000. Heterozygosity and fitness: No
strong association in Great Lakes populations of zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha.
(Pallas). Malacologia 42:113-122.
Horvath, T.G., K.M. Martin, and G.A. Lamberti. 1999. Effect of zebra mussels, Dreissena
polymorpha, on stream macroinvertebrates. American Midland Naturalist 142:340-347.
Horvath, T.G. and G.A. Lamberti. 1999. Limitation of zebra mussel recruitment in streams by
veliger mortality. Freshwater Biology 42:69-76.
Horvath, T.G. and G.A. Lamberti. 1999. Recruitment and growth of zebra mussels (Dreissena
polymorpha) in coupled lake-stream systems. Archiv für Hydrobiologie 145/2:197-217.
Horvath, T.G. 1997. Dispersal and ecological impact of zebra mussels, Dreissena polymorpha
(Pallas), in coupled lake-stream systems. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Notre Dame,
Notre Dame, Indiana, USA. 201 pages.
Horvath, T.G. and G.A. Lamberti. 1997. Drifting macrophytes as a mechanism for zebra mussel
(Dreissena polymorpha) invasion of lake-outlet streams. American Midland Naturalist
138:29-36.
Horvath, T.G., G.A. Lamberti, D.M. Lodge, and W.L. Perry. 1996. Zebra mussel dispersal in
lake-stream systems: source-sink dynamics? Journal of the North American Benthological
Society 15:564-575.
26 Presented Papers at regional, national, and international meetings
17 invited seminars
5 Grants pending totaling $188,000
Horvath Budget – Page 1
Itemized Budget:
Personnel Services
Project Director: Thomas Horvath
Salary-1 month summer (BRI) / 5% acad year (cost share)
Fringe benefits (16.5% summer / 35.94% acad year)
Graduate Student
8 wks summer (40 hrs @ $15/hr)
Fringe benefits (8%)
$4,936.73
$814.56
$5,751.29
Cost Share
$2,221.75
$798.50
$3,020.25
$4,800.00
$432.00
$5,232.00
Total Personnel
$10,983.29
Total Travel
$1,687.50
$1,500.00
$3,187.50
Travel
4500 miles @ $.375/mile
Present at regional/national meetings
Supplies
$3,020.25
$1,000.00
Other (publications)
$500.00
SUBTOTAL
Organizational Overhead
20% BRI, 60.4% TDC cost share (less BRI portion)
TOTAL BUDGET
BRI Request
$15,670.79
$3,020.25
$3,134.16
$8,155.23
$18,804.95
$11,175.47
Personnel Services
Thomas Horvath, the Principal Investigator, will oversee the project, conduct field work,
supervise and mentor the graduate student, analyze data, write required reports and manuscripts,
oversee development of the GIS-based model, and present results at meetings. BRI funds are
requested for one month of summer salary for Dr. Horvath; commensurate salary and fringe for
5% academic year effort is cost shared by SUNY Oneonta.
The graduate research assistant will be specifically responsible for field work and sample
processing. Education and training of this individual is a specific goal of this project and the
student will be expected to participate in all aspects of the project. BRI funding is requested.
Travel
Funding is requested from BRI for the PI and graduate student to travel to numerous sites within
the USRB. The mileage (4500) is a rough estimate of what will be required for round trip visits
to sites. If funds for additional travel costs are required, they will be requested from the College.
Also, requested funds will cover the costs of presenting results at regional and national meetings,
such as The Northeast Natural History Conference and the North American Benthological
Society meeting.
Horvath Budget – Page 2
Supplies
BRI funds are requested for sample storage jars, chemical preservative/fixative solutions,
chemical reagents, replacement parts for field meters and nets, and supplies for microscopy
work.
Other
The PI will publish the data in peer-reviewed journals, many of which have page charges. BRI
funds are requested to help cover these costs. Also, publication funds will cover costs associated
with making multiple copies of reports (printing costs) and digital copies of GIS data.
Organizational Overhead
The BRI request for indirect costs is calculated at 20% of the BRI direct cost funding per the
grant guidelines. Indirect cost on the cost share portion of the budget is calculated at SUNY
Oneonta’s negotiated non-federal rate of 60.4% of total project direct costs ($18,691) less the
BRI request ($11,289 - $3,134 = $8,155).
Cost Share
SUNY College at Oneonta will provide cost share equal to salary and fringe commensurate with
5% academic year effort of the principal investigator, as well as F&A costs calculated at 60.4%
of the project’s total direct costs less the BRI overhead request.
Horvath Budget – Page 3
BRI Budget Summary Worksheet
To facilitate the administration of projects, complete and submit the following budget
summary worksheet with your proposal. In addition, submit a more detailed budget showing
specific items in categories and any matching contributions.
TOTALS
Personnel Services
$10,983
Travel
$ 3,188
Equipment/Supplies
$ 1,000
Other
$
SUB-TOTAL
$15,671
Organizational Overhead*
TOTAL
(Sub-Total)  (indirect rate) =
500
$ 3,134
$18,805
*Amount your organization will charge to cover the administrative costs of managing grant
funds, if applicable. The maximum indirect rate that BRI allows is 20%.