Decadal changes in the benthic invertebrate community in western Lake Erie between 1981 and 2004

► Abundances of infauna in western Lake Erie declined between 1982 and 2003. ► Faunal declines appeared unrelated to weather or decreased phosphorus loading. ► Most of the declines occurred when dreissenid mussel abundances were increasing. ► Mayflies became important members of the infaunal community after 1993. ► Offshore faunal changes are compatible with operation of a nearshore bivalve shunt.