The bottom sediment of Lake Superior is habitat for a variety of intriguing organisms. Chironomid midges are the most abundant insects to inhabit the bottom, or benthic area of the lake. Chironomid larvae are an important food source for fish and adult chironomids are important in the diets of many migratory birds. The chironomid secondary production ecology in Lake Superior also remains to be described.
Production is largely dependent on the quantity and quality of food sources.
Nearly half the diet of chironomids in deep water is bacteria. Very few studies have attempted to link bacterial or microbial activity with secondary production. By estimating secondary production of chironomids in Lake Superior, we can estimate their contribution to the energy flow of the lake and the microbial contribution to the benthic food web. A relationship between microbial respiration and chironomid secondary production will also be examined over a depth gradient. Standard deep-water sampling techniques will be used to sample three Lake Superior sites by boat.