A model for high-altitude alpine lake ecosystems and the effect of introduced fish

We discuss a simplified mathematical model for alpine lake ecosystems, describing the summer (i.e. ice-free period) dynamics of phosphorus, phytoplankton, three zooplankton compartments and fish abundance. Model output is compared with measurements of total phosphorus, chlorophyll-a and zooplankton biomass recorded in twelve high-altitude mountain lakes in the Gran Paradiso National Park (northwestern Italy) during the summer season from 2006 to 2009. Model results are consistent with measured data, indicating the appropriateness of this modeling approach for quantitatively studying mountain lake ecosystems and their response to environmental changes. The comparison between the results obtained for lakes without fish and those where the allochthonous brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) was introduced clearly indicates the strong impact of fish stocking in alpine lakes.

► We discuss ecosystem measurements of 12 high-altitude alpine lakes.
► We develop a simplified ecosystem model for these high-altitude lakes.
► We study the effect of introduced fish in the high-altitude lakes.
► Model output and data compare favorably showing a strong effect on lake ecosystem.