29 Aug 2025

Adaptive Management Framework for Microseira wollei in Lake St. Clair, Michigan

Abstract: Microseira wollei has grown to problematic densities within Lake St. Clair, located between Lake Erie and Lake Huron. Though stakeholders have issued a call-to-action for the management of M. wollei, no substantive plan exists, which was the impetus for this adaptive management framework. Field surveys, emerging technologies, laboratory evaluations, and a literature review were integrated to develop this site-specific frame-work. Adaptive management consists of a series of iterative steps to define and characterize the issue; identify goals, plan, and prioritize; determine a plan; implement management; measure the outcomes; and adapt and re-fine the plan. M. wollei is widely distributed within the study area and across large sections of the lake bed. Due to its large spatial extent, long-term management should focus on regaining and maintaining uses within Lake St. Clair that have been affected by shoreline accumulations. Mechanical removal is anticipated to be the most effective tool; however, the potential addition of algaecides or nutrient sequestration products could be explored for increased effectiveness. The planning and execution of a substantive management plan for M. wollei in Lake St. Clair are outlined and described, but effective management will require a concerted effort on a scale that matches the scope of the problem.