Changes of planktivore fauna and development of zooplankton after liming of the acidified Lake Gårdsjön

The quantitative dynamics of the zooplankton community was studied during a period of 13 years in the manipulated Lake Gårdsjön and an acidified reference lake. Lake Gårdsjön was acid during the first 3 years, limed and fishless the following 4 years and stocked with brown trout for a period of 6 years. During the final 2 years rainbow trout was added. Changes in water chemistry and phytoplankton standing stock are associated with the manipulations. Liming had a positive effect on the overall species richness and diversity among rotifers and cladocerans. Changes in the zooplankton community during the different phases of the lake restoration are discussed in relation to the development of the planktivorous fauna of the lake, phantom midge larvae, aquatic hemipterans and fish. It can be concluded that liming creates a potential for the restoration of the zooplankton diversity, but the actual structure of the zooplankton community in limed lakes is strongly influenced by predatory and competitive interactions.